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Oh I hear you. I had gone almost a year with no period and one week shy of being classed menopausal it reappeared and now has been every two weeks. I now recognise it the day before as I suddenly want to, and can, eat more, but still small by previous standards. It is a pain in the ass as I can't trust a schedule anymore and I had to go out and buy all new period underwear (old ones were thrown out as I thought I had no use for them anymore and they were now massive). Now for travelling next month I have to be prepared for what may come! I think my system is shot after all my surgery complications.
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Yesterday was my 1st day back at work!!!
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had a lot of complications with the sleeve and the decision was made for me. My surgeon told me in no uncertain terms that I HAD to have the revision. It wasn't because I wasn't losing weight. -
This is definitely a question for your surgeon and dietician. I totally get what you're asking, and my hunch is that you only process what you absorb (the rest basically traveling out of the body as waste), but I think the only reliable answer is going to come from a medical professional. They should be able to tell you exactly how many grams you need daily to maintain healthy organ function, as well as what sources, because fats are not created equal and some will be easier for your body to handle (and more beneficial) than others. I'm sure there must be some research out there because it's a relatively common complication of all WLS to have gallbladder removal. So if your doctor doesn't know immediately, they should know how to find the info for you.
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Considering Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss post gastric
GreenTealael replied to greekgoddess2468's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am a huge fan of these new meds because: they work and it’s moving the research of obesity forward instead of continuing to moralizing it. For our population, it’s not clear whether or not this a life long commitment because there are no current trials for this. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2022/6820377 (section 2.9. Potential Roles of GLP-1 RA on Prevention of Perioperative and Postoperative Complications of Bariatric Surgical Individual) https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(19)30157-3/abstract GRAVITAS Trial from 2016-2018 -
Yesterday was my 1st day back at work!!!
NickelChip replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You're looking great, and so happy! I really hope things finally are settling down for you now and you'll have a chance to just live life a little without worrying about surgeries and complications. -
Surgeon Appointment - YAY!
NeonRaven8919 replied to MrsFitz's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Oh that's really soon! Congrats! I felt the same way when I got called to arrange the surgery date so soon! I think I felt really thrown is becaus the first thing they did was out me on a 12 week diet very suddenly and I didn't have time to prepare and had to throw out good food and buy new things for the diet. I think also it was the fact that getting that call means it's finally happening! Especially as you've been on the NHs waiting list for a long time. It's not just a vague idea of soothing that will happen on the future anymore but a real thing that you have to prepare for. It's scary and exciting! I didn't think to ask any questions, but since my mother went through it back in 2008, I knew already about the surgery and the complications. -
Mini Gastric Bypass - Turkey - Recommendations/experiences good or bad?
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to Klaire's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Also, check to make sure that if you have any complications later on that a local surgeon will take you on. Here in the USA, it's almost impossible to find a surgeon that will accept you as a patient if you had a procedure in another country. Hell, sometimes they won't even take you if you had it with another US surgeon in a different state. So make sure it's not that way where you live before you commit to going abroad to having your surgery. -
This is a very good point about having a different procedure. I went with the SADI because it was a revision to an existing sleeve and revision surgeries do not produce the same results in terms of weight loss and durability, but the SADI offered more. In terms of other medical issues, though you will constantly have to have your bariatric doctor in the loop with any issues that may even remotely have to do with your gastro system and this can be complicated because the doctors don’t want to step on one another’s toes. But in terms of family doctors or doctors of any other specialty, I have not met one since I started researching this surgery or since I’ve had it that I have even heard of it. If you do go with this one, you need to educate yourself so that you can explain that to them. And it is possible that you find yourself in a position where something could get messed because the doctor just hasn’t seen it before where it’s more likely if you had something as common as a bypass they will have seen it. I mean there’s pros and cons with everyone. There’s no perfect answer or they would only do one and we wouldn’t be here naming off a handful of surgeries that are sort of commonly done and in terms of revisions, they do even more. I think they just make up names for them as they go along, honestly. My best advice would be to educate yourself as much as you can and go back a couple of times to make sure you get all of your questions answered by the doctor. They usually only want to give you one appointment but if you say you’re not ready to choose, they should give you another appointment with the doctor or a PA or NP. But that is a very good point about having the less common procedure does present obstacles or potential ones down the road. I mean if you raised the fact that you have it to any good doctors attention, they know where to find the information and should be able to still provide you adequate care but in an emergency situation it’s better for the information to already be in the doctors head.
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August Surgery buddies
draikaina8503 replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Reading through some of the posts (it's a lot and I'm new, I'll get them all eventually), it seems a lot of you knew for a couple of months or more that you were having your surgery in August. I'm a little jealous of that ability to plan ahead lol! I went for my follow-up appointment during the first week of August, and then they were like, "You're doing great! How about August 16th?" I'm nervously excited about it. Part of me wishes I had more time to truly get everything prepared, since I work 3 jobs. But I'm also ready to fully be on the path to a healthier me. I've been listening to audiobooks and podcasts to try to mentally prepare me for this, and to also be prepared for if there are complications. SW: 350 CW: 322 -
TORe Anyone had this RNY revision?
WarrenInEC replied to Taramaximum's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
It went great. No complications and down 29 lbs in just over two weeks. -
August Surgery buddies
ShoppGirl replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You may want to check the manufacturers website later once you are for sure settled on a vitamin to see if they are cheaper than Amazon A lot of them give discounts if you subscribe and it works out cheaper. I ordered mine to arrive a couple of weeks before I needed them and set them to auto ship just so I would always have them even if mail was a little slow or something Definitely remind yourself that them people who have a bad experience with the surgery may be louder but they are certainly not the norm These surgeries are considered relatively safe. The risks are very low. And maybe the risk of a complication of obesity doesn’t have a specific date but there are far more and they are far more likely than the risks of surgery -
One year anniversary!
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to FifiLux's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I can say that I have a good idea how you feel. 2 years ago I had my sleeve surgery. A year ago, I had my revision to bypass because of all the complications and surgeries that happened as a result of the sleeve. I lost a good year, between the tests, procedures, surgeries, complications from the surgeries, recovering from the surgeries, losing work and struggling to pay bills, etc... It took having the revision to finally get my life back. And even then, I was still fixing the last of the issues the sleeve caused. I'm so sorry today is so hard for you. Just know you're strong, you made it through, and you're doing way better now than you were then. And while the road to where you are now certainly wasn't ideal, it's led you to this point now, and you're really doing great. I'm very happy that you're doing so much better, and I fully believe things will keep going up and up and up for you -
Shoulder Pain After Hernia Repair
Karlid1 replied to MissyJake's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
On 1/22/25 I had surgery initially to bring my remnant stomach down from my chest and they said while they were in there, they'd repair a hernia.. It was done robotically, so I anticipated the dreaded CO2 shoulder pain. I was up & walking, doing what they recommended & was discharged the next day.. After about 48 hours, it had subsided but had occasional twinges.. Unfortunately, I wasn't informed that I would need to be on straight liquids, but I had a Roux-en-y in 2008..so piece of cake. What wasn't so simple was taking my various pills & having one get stuck 3 days post-op. I had no choice but to throw it up. Apparently that caused swelling, so I ended up in the ED... After about 10 hours, the swelling reduced & I was able to swallow again. After a few days of taking bare necessities, I flew home to CO. I will be doing my 2 week surgical follow-up via tele-health. However, I am now 10 days post op & I am having intermittent what I assumed was CO2 shoulder pain. It is excruciating and extends up my neck & radiates into my ear. I couldn't figure out why I was suddenly having shoulder pain again as the CO2 should be out of my system by now. After reading about everyone else's experiences, at least I know I'm not crazy but hope that the stress and swelling after the pill incident didn't mess things up. Needless to say, I will be calling my surgeon first thing in the morning. BTW.. Even though I had some complications after my bariatric surgery in 08..I would do it ALL over again. No regrets.. I was 333 pounds the day off my surgery and 169 today.. And here's something only a bariatric patient will appreciate.. At 5'8", I was no longer considered OBESE, just overweight.. That is until osteoporosis hit and I am now 5'3, still 169 but back to being obese.. It sucks cuz I have maintained my weight between 167-169 for over 15 years but I can't control the fact that I shrunk 5 inches in the past 6 years.. The joy of getting older 😁 Thanks to everyone for sharing and saving my sanity.. -
Education Session
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to MrsFitz's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
My program didn't offer anything either. We had 1 online group "power session" that basically told us what we can and can't eat before and after surgery, what recovery would look like, how long we would be in the hospital, and that we have access to the (fairly useless) nutritionist. That was it. I learned more from Google. Then I found this forum and the rest is history. This place is WAY more helpful than anything else, so I just stick with it. Now that I'm 2 years out from my original surgery and 1 year out from my revision, fully recovered my my SLEW of complications and additional surgeries, and not only made it to my goal but am below it, I feel like I have stuff to offer in the conversation now. I owe everyone here so much that I just hope to pay it forward to others. -
Hello Vets, I've been having increased burping and I'm almost 5Yrs post op. Its been fairly smooth sailing so far in terms of complications (only limited ones not worth mentioning). Now I'm burping uncontrollably. I do not have any any heartburn "typical" symptoms. I'm taking Pantoprazole along with just starting on Carafate. I did not have any GERD prior to surgery however Dr. Aceves told me that I had a hiatal hernia that he fixed during sleeve surgery even though I had no idea I had it. I'm told I may possibly need a revision sleeve to bypass which I do NOT want to do but the new surgeon doctor (I was operated on by Dr. Aceves so I can't see him about this unfortunately, may he RIP... ) told me I may have a "kink in my sleeve". Apparently sometimes they put a stitch or two in to keep the sleeve from floating around. My sleeve was not stitched into place to keep it from flopping around so I guess it may have a kink. I'm supposed to get an endoscopy scheduled in the next few weeks with a GI and the (new) surgeon doc wants to be present to see what she's working with. Has anyone ever had this happen this far after surgery? Confused and concerned...
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Thank you so much for responding, everything you said made me feel validated in my fear and comforted as well. I actually do love cooked vegetables and meat cooked in other ways besides fried. I like a variety of foods in fact. I guess I just see people posting such healthy looking meals that don’t look appealing to me and I’m just like “do I have to eat that?” Like I’m not a fan of raw vegetables and cottage cheese, for instance. I haven’t seen anyone post something that I like which makes me think that what I like to eat are things I won’t be able to eat. I’m not too concerned about not being able to eat junk food at all because I’m not really a junk food eater more than I am a comfort food eater. I just love a good meal and I just don’t see anyone posting good food. Food is a concern bc it’s important, but my biggest concern besides food is being able to get out of my head and an even bigger concern is the things that can go wrong! Being dehydrated, vitamin deficiency, extreme constipation, hernias, gallbladder removal, GERD, having to convert to bypass, being hospitalized for something. Like is there anyone who has not had a complication? Even people who don’t regret the decision seem to have so many scary issues. I’m so afraid of what could go wrong. I’m afraid of being sad about food the rest of my life. I’m sad now about the control food has over me. I feel trapped. I hate that I have to be fat and even go through all of this. I hate I’m on a forum complaining about being fat. Lol. I just need someone to tell me to do it and that it will be ok and worth it! I guess I just keep imagining I’m going to be sitting here physically feeling a cut off stomach, if that makes sense. Lol. Like, I know I won’t be able to eat a lot anymore, I know I’ll need to make the better choices with food which is fine, but I just don’t want my life to revolve around food anymore! I don’t want to sit around everyday worried about food. It seems like I have to go from thinking about what I’m going to eat everyday to worried about if I’m going to be able to eat enough or eat too much or get dehydrated or get enough protein or something with food! I’m just sick of food! Lol.. Will my life ever not be about food and weight?!! If the sleeve makes me go from worrying about weight to worrying about weight on top of a bunch of other stuff, is it going to be right for me? Am I trading one woe for another? I hope that makes sense.
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Congratulations on making your decision to take your life back. Only those who are obese truely understand how limiting and challenging it is as well as its impact on you psychologically and emotionally. There are a number of reasons why people undergo a revision from sleeve to bypass: they develop GERD, weight regain, don’t lose as much as they hoped. Don’t know the rate of this occurring. Doesn’t mean this will happen to yiu.I know people who have had a revision on this forum and people who haven’t. Personally I have three friends with a sleeve all between 4 & almost 7 years out and no revisions. I ‘m 5.5 yrs out with my sleeve and am happy with it & my younger brother just had one done. But we’re all different & the surgeries work in different ways to different people. Sometimes surgeons will recommend bypass over sleeve because of the weight their patient has to lose, weight loss and gain history, pre-existing conditions (like GERD, etc.), etc. Are you able to ask why the surgeon/clinic is encouraging you down the path of a sleeve rather than bypass as this is less common (more common to recommend bypass over sleeve). My cyclical side wonders if it’s because a sleeve is a less complicated surgery, takes less time to perform and sometimes doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay. So do they want you to have a sleeve because it’s less demanding on their services. Ultimately it should be your decision as to which surgery you get. Have a look at some of the you tube videos by Dr Matthew Weiner (pound of cure) & Dr John Pilcher. They cover many topics so you’ll need to work through quite a list (great resources for you post surgery) & will have some on the differences and benefits of the different surgeries. All the best.
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Yes I checked the reviews and they were good, he was the surgeon that had trained the surgeon that did my lap band years ago. He was late that day and I was the first patient of 7 so maybe he rushed through my surgery or maybe it was something to do with his finger injury a month prior. The surgical center said “your blood pressure is a little low so the surgeon wants you to spend the night at the hospital as a precaution, he will text your husband the address of the hospital to meet him at” so looking back yes I think they downplayed it to get me out of there. On the way I kept passing out. The hospital he sent us to was 49 miles away because apparently he doesn’t have rights anymore at the one that was a few miles away. I had asked his office staff previously what happens if there are complications and they said the surgical center is close to the hospital. A lawyer won’t touch this because the Dr. doesn’t have malpractice insurance (that’s something I kick myself for not knowing and hopefully anyone reading this learns from my mistake) and they say I don’t have permanent injuries from it. You would think with the trauma, stress and all the bills even besides the hospital bills, the hematologist, cardiologist, paying for someone to help take care of my specials needs daughter, the extended recovery time would matter but it doesn’t. Thank you both for the advice on the insurance and what to do with the hospital billing department. I get on all that first thing tomorrow.
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Weird bulge in abdomen
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to Mona Ometuruwa's topic in Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Forum
Also, it sounds like an umbilical hernia, since it's by your belly button. Here's some info I found about it: An umbilical hernia is a bulge or defect in the abdominal wall near the belly button. The most common sign is a visible bulge on or near your belly button that's soft to the touch. In some people, it's always visible. Other times, you can only see the bulge when there's pressure in your abdomen. This hernia develops when a portion of the lining of the abdomen, part of the intestine, and/or fluid from the abdomen, comes through the muscle of the abdominal wall. If the trapped portion of intestine is completely cut off from the blood supply, it can lead to tissue death. Infection may spread throughout the abdominal cavity, causing a life-threatening situation. Adults with umbilical hernias are somewhat more likely to experience a blockage of the intestines. Surgery is recommended for most adults with an umbilical hernia because the hernia is unlikely to get better by itself when you're older and the risk of complications is higher. -
Not a lot of ESG folks?
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to ESGinGA's topic in Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Forum
Not so much because we need something that gives drastic results, that's permanent and can't be undone, and will be a tool that will help and almost force us to stick to the diet and make good choices. If it's something that can be easily undone, then when it gets hard and we feel like it sucks, we can go in a moment of frustration and have it undone. Not to mention, the weight loss isn't as much, which is something most of us need. At my surgery weight, I was 388. My goal weight was 190. So my excess weight was 198 pounds. With this surgery, I only would have lost 40-50 pounds. That wouldn't have made any sense at all. There are a few articles I saw that had people lose 35% of their excess weight, but that's the exception and not the rule. But even then, I would have only lost 65 pounds. Still would not have been enough. Wouldn't have even gotten me out of the 300's. My heaviest weight was 421 and my surgery day weight was 388. With the sleeve, I lost 113 pounds but had complications and needed a revision. Once I had the revision, I lost another 100 pounds. No way could I have done any of that with this particular surgery, and I'm guessing that's why most of us don't look at it. We need something more drastic. Losing 40-65ish pounds wouldn't cut it. -
So i had my surgery last month. I am self pay as insurance will not cover. I paid around $18-19K. I had to pay before i could have the surgery. A couple weeks after surgery i notice there was a claim from the hospital on my insurance for that same surgery for around $40K. Which they denied since its not covered. I called the hospital to find out what the heck is going on. So i gave them my receipts showing i paid the Surgeons fee, Surgeon assistant fee, Anesthesiologist fee, Hospital facility fee, complication coverage fee, Pathology, psychological exam, and nutritional evaluation. all coming out to about $19K. So they told me they would figure out what happened and why my they did my insurance instead of self pay. Today i get a email from the hospital that they switched me to self pay and that i am owed a refund of over $3,000 which was odd because i am not owed anything. So i called and they checked and checked and said they gave me a discount since I paid cash lol. So i was like... ARE YOU SURE... Because once i get this money i am paying off my credit cards and you wont be getting that money back... and they checked and said i am good. So i should be getting some moolah back here in the next couple days lol. So thanks for that mistake haha.
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Even though my surgery was in July 2023, due to all the complications I suffered, I only consider that my journey started in January 2024 and even then it was a struggle most days to just breath and get out of bed but I have been doing and feeling much better since around May/June this year after (what was hopefully) my final WLS related procedure. I now feel comfortable in myself and enjoy the lighter side of life. Since the surgery I have lost almost as much weight as I now weigh (62kg/136lb/9.7st vs 58kg/127lb/9.1st lost) which amazes me, I didn't actually think it was possible to be this 'light'. I didn't grieve food as I was just too exhausted most of the time to give it much thought so in a way I take that as a positive. I am trying my best to respect my new stomach in that I give it small yet good/nourishing food choices and allow myself the occasional treat and glasses of wine. I have enjoyed finding and trying out new recipes. I took up aqua aerobics and pilates in February and used that to help build up my strength and then in October joined the gym which I love. I find it funny now how my body and brain tells me I need to get up and walk, and I obey, whereas in previous years I would have just ignored the notion and stayed on the sofa. I love the feeling of wanting to move and then being able to move, not restricted by the weight. I also see in myself how I am changing, pre-op if I had a set-back or upsetting day I would usually sit on the sofa for hours/days and drink and eat on repeat but now I think it out, do an activity etc to get through - for example a couple of weeks ago my beloved cat of 16yrs had to go to sleep and it was so upsetting for me (and still is) and in times gone by I would have stayed in bed or on the sofa with a bottle (or three) of wine, popcorn, chocolate etc but this time I scrubbed clean the apartment one day, sorted somethings out for donations another day, went to the gym and just focused on the movements, went for walks. I just hope that I can keep up this sensible me for the years to come! In the last year I have learned to listen to myself, take care of myself and not take sh*t from anybody and I intend to keep that up for 2025. Also for 2025 I look forward to continuing as I am doing now; mindful eating, exercise and enjoying life. Happy New Year everyone 🎉
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Revision from sleeve to bypass due to GERD (Trigger Warning)
CrazyDog&CatLady posted a topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I was sleeved in March of 2015 (HW 405, SW 357, LW 238, sustained 260 for a few years), had some regain where I hit 315, so I went on a hybrid Optifast/Numetra diet through a program at Kaiser (my then insurance in California). It worked well, I dropped about 50 pounds and was happy with that, but then I had some mental health issues including some passive ideation, so I decided to move across country (technically back home) to Delaware and share a living space with my brother and his wife and pets. Since that move I've gained back the 50 pounds I lost, I have another hiatal hernia, and severe acid reflux/GERD so now I'm on the path to revision to bypass. Thing is, I never wanted bypass, that's why I had the sleeve in the first place, the reworking of my internal plumbing scares the heck out of me! I've known a ton of people who've had it with no issues, but I've also known a couple who passed away from complications (granted, that was 20 years ago, and I know things have improved medically since then). But the idea of having dumping syndrome, and malabsorption, and needing to take vitamins and supplements forever - UGH - I'm freaking out!! 😨😖 I have an anxiety disorder (SAD & GAD) and my anxiety has been through the ROOF the past few weeks! My surgery date is August 26 - 13 days from today! - and I started my pre-op diet the other day (Monday), but part of me wants to cancel everything! However, there is a part of me that can't wait for the relief from the GERD. I guess I'm not asking for anything here, mostly just venting my anxiety. 🤣 -
August Surgery buddies
draikaina8503 replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I unfortunately am very limited in protein shake flavors that are available. I'm actually allergic to milk, so all I can have are plant protein shakes. So yay for having to have the more expensive, less available flavors. >_> I did buy a tape measure this morning when I was running errands so that I can take my measurements! My other tape measure, uh.... really put in perspective how big I was because it wouldn't go around me. Depressing but also motivating to know that I am doing the right thing for me. Hopefully, I move to being able to have 'cream of' soups when I get home. Though there are concerns about how much surgery they will actually be doing as I do have endometriosis. So the hope is that it hasn't spread since my last endo surgery 15 years ago, and therefore they don't have to deal with that particular complication. I am nervous about the hernia repair. I know it's common, but it's just one more thing to go through. I've been prepping myself for the bypass, not the hernia repair. LOL -
You discussed loads of other things there @catwoman7 in your ‘model patient’ session, which, IMHO was missing from last nights session. It’s just that everything was glossed over and it really didn’t get to the bones of things I guess. And you definitely hit the nail on the head about people not knowing what questions to ask, so not asking them. I think things like taking measurements and photos for example, would be useful, what to take to hospital, explaining changes in tastebuds, foods to eat for those first couple of stages, etc. I know, I know, I AM being so very picky, I know it. I guess I was just disappointed and left feeling a bit sad for those who are just relying solely on the hospital sessions because I don’t think it was a proper representation. We all hope that surgery goes well and that we have no complications or issues or need additional help. I also think hospitals have to be honest with the things that can go wrong because it’s generally the negative things in life that impacts our weight and generally leads to weight gain. But, it’s done now so 🤷♀️
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