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Hi, I'm considering bariatric surgery. I've been on a medication for decades and have ended up weighing 250 lbs at 5'3". I can't stop taking this medicine, and there are no alternatives. And as with everyone here, no weight loss or exercise plan has helped me lose weight and keep it off. So...as a result of taking this med, I have metabolic syndrome. That means high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity. I've finally come to the conclusion that bariatric surgery might be my best solution. Has anyone else conquered metabolic syndrome (or any of these symptoms) with bariatric surgery? Thank you for your advice!
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In early process of getting weightloss surgery
Redlady985 posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi! I'm Christie, and I'm 40 year old, residing in Hammond, Louisiana. After a year or so of deciding to getting weightloss surgery, I have finally decided to go through the process. Especially since I have been dealing with pseudo tumor cerebri, and trying different weightloss methods. I didnt base my decision off of others who have gotten it done, but what was going to be best for me. My weight has always fluctuated, and could never seen to lose no more than 50lbs. I'm thankful that I dont have any blood pressure issues, nor diabetes, but I have sleep apnea. After speaking with several of my physicians from different specialty, and them encouraging me and gave me the green light to get weightloss surgery, to see if it will help me with my pseudo tumor cerebri. As of now I'm in the beginning stage, and will be getting a egd done pretty soon, so I'm really close to getting a surgery date soon. -
Not sure if I should go through with it
Redlady985 replied to corinne2022's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi! I'm in the beginning process, and I was skeptical about getting weight loss surgery. Because so many people was talking negative about, but then I pull myself together and decided what was going to be better for me and my health, not base my decision off of other people opinions and not letting people dictate to me when it comes to my health. Plus I have psuedotumor cerebri and I was told by my physicians that will be helpful to get the weight loss surgery. -
Considering surgery but don't know where to start
Redlady985 replied to colebaby216's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi! I am considering weight loss surgery as well. My primary care provider is all for me getting weight loss surgery, along with my orthopedic doctor. Especially me having psuedotumor cerebri. I do not have any BP problems, or diabetes but was told that getting weightloss surgery could help with the psuedotumor cerebri. I first did a online seminar with Tulane University Medical center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Once I did that I got a appointment with the doctor for a consult, and was welcome to their weightloss program. Now I'm schedule for EGD, and nutrition appointment with the dietitian in July 2022. But I had my consult in April, 2022. My insurance didnt require anything of me, as long as the doctor was in network. Which help when determining how quick you can have the procedure done. Some insurance require you to do different things before you can have the surgery. Also help me some was I have sleep apnea, so therefore I dont need a sleep study. I am little nervous, but im always nervous when coming to getting surgery or any procedure done. -
Period Irregularity post surgery
Sunshine Princess posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
So i had my sleeve surgery last Monday, the 16th. I had my regularly scheduled period May 6-10th. Today it started again. No pain, no cramping, none of my usual symptoms. Is this my body resetting itself? Is this because the weight loss released estrogen into my system and my plumbing needed to be flushed? My OB/GYN was zero help with this and I’m just looking to see if anyone else experienced this. Please don’t flood me with “call the surgeon” because I’m not necessarily concerned, just looking to see if this has happened to others. I see him tomorrow for my post op as well. -
DS or bypass after sleeve?
SleeverSk replied to TryingAgain2's topic in Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum
Is the only reason you are looking at revision surgery for weight loss ? -
I had a sleeve done about 10 years ago when I was 40. I went from about 280 to 160 and have put the weight back on. I have seen two surgeons in my area in the last couple of months. One does DS and says I am kinda halfway through a DS procedure. The other surgeon does not do DS so she is recommending bypass. If I really want, she can refer me to a surgeon in the hospital system who does DS but that is 3 hours away. I've had some friends use the DS surgeon and recommend her but her office staff is a hot mess. An overall lack of organization and I send info to the person I am told to but then someone else calls and says I wasn't supposed to send to that person. The by pass surgeon is in my hospital system and therefore has access to all my doctor's records since nearly every one of my doctors is in that hospital system. By pass doctor said that DS wasn't fully "approved" (my word not hers) and is still considered experimental but she wants to learn how to do it and expects it will be much more common in the near future. My husband is asking me what will I do differently after this surgery that I didn't do before. Great question. I am moving through all the insurance required hoops for both doctors at this point but still not sure I want to do either. Anyone have any words of wisdom? Not sure how to proceed. Thanks so much!
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Not sure if I should go through with it
LookingForward22 replied to corinne2022's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I canceled my first surgery because of concerns I had with the program I was in and doubts I was having in general. I found another program and the psychologist (for the program) and I discussed my concerns I had and she assured me - that once I had clearance if I was still questioning if the surgery was the right choice I could take up to a year to decide on having it (based on their program and my insurance requirements). She also reassured me that if I didn’t want surgery she could work to refer me to the medically supervised weight loss program so I could continue to work on progress. Knowing I have choices is helping me be less anxious. I always advocate for listening to your instincts. Get the answers/information you need to feel confident in the choice you are making. Talk with your therapist or the program psychologist… your PCP or specialist if you have a good relationship with them… nurse navigator in the program (or all of them if need be) to help set your mind at ease so you feel confident in what ever your decision is. -
Insight/thoughts for someone considering sleeve surgery
Queen ApisM replied to Veebear's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I agree with what @LookingForward22 said regarding finding the right program. I also switched programs and even though it really extended my timeline, I am so happy I did. I would also say: research all options (bypass, sleeve) but don't get railroaded or let others convince you of which one is right for you. I always preferred the sleeve, but tried to convince myself that a bypass was better. I was doing all the mental gymnastics for it - it would be faster weight loss (not necessarily true), more weight lost (also not necessarily true) - when in my heart I was not comfortable with re-routing my insides so much and I wanted to still have a pyloric valve. It was so liberating when a surgeon reminded me it is simply a tool and will be as successful as you make it. He wasn't trying to tell me what to do, just to make sure my decision fit my needs and comfort level. That was so important. I personally have no preference for others, just make certain you are an informed recipient of the surgery you get and are 100% on board with the decision and the inherent risks for both (as there are differing risks for each type). Sleeve brings risks of GERD (and is contraindicated for anyone with GERD already) but bypass has other risks. Neither set of risks makes one inherently better or worse - you just need to be aware and ready to accept those risks. And don't get surgery until you are mentally ready for it. That's just good advice across the board. You need to be in the right mindset to make it work. Good luck! -
Not sure if I should go through with it
Tony B - NJ replied to corinne2022's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I think most of us have had doubts and concerns prior to having the surgery. I see questions like this all the time on this forum. There are a few that are adamantly against having the surgery and regret having it. From their comments I feel that it was more due to their commitment to the process than the surgery itself. If you think the surgery is going to solve all your weight problems then it is not for you. If you want to be healthier and are willing to use the tool to lose weight and become more healthy, then it is for you. You have to be willing to put in the work though. You have to be willing to mentally invest in the process and realize that you cannot simply rely on a physical restriction to control your weight. You have to be willing to track foods, calories etc. You have to be willing to get some exercise and you have to be willing to resist the cravings that put you in your current situation. With all these things, you will be successful, but if you are not committed it is not going to work. This is not a magic pill that makes you skinny. It takes a lot of work. -
Not sure if I should go through with it
Possum220 replied to corinne2022's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
It is a very big decision emotionally, physically and financially. You should not take this lightly. It is something that you will not be able to undo once it has been done. I found it helpful to write down a list of pros and cons. What do you have to lose and what do you have to gain? Are you happy with where you are at now? For me I know that I was literally killing myself with food. I couldnt walk far at all. Even two and half weeks later I can walk further and am in less pain. For me it is all about health. What will be the reason that is most important for you? 😊 -
Not sure if I should go through with it
Arabesque replied to corinne2022's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
It is a big decision & many people question if they are doing the right thing. May be continue with the process a little longer as you will find out more information. Also do a lot of reading from reputable sources. (Lots of information here too of course.) I was lucky I had a friend who’d had the surgery a year earlier so she was a font of information & experience. Yes, the first couple of months after the surgery can be difficult. You are literally relearning how to eat. In fact the initial stages after the surgery when your diet is quite restricted to support your healing is much like how a baby is introduced to solid food: liquids, purées, soft food then solid. You’ll be working at breaking habits, cravings, addictions (sugar, salt,) & any emotional dependencies on food you’ve likely had for years or your entire life. But honestly, it does get much easier. You’ll never go back to eating exactly the same way as you did before but that is how you ended up with a weight problem. Many do eat some of their old favourites BUT they eat them rarely & in small portions. Or they eat healthier variations of the food. My sleeve doesn’t limit me or restrict me from doing anything I enjoy or want to do. All the best what ever you choose to do. -
Hi, I'm new here. I'm actually looking to connect to veterans of the surgery. I had my surgery 18 years ago and at the time it was great. Doctors said I should of lost more weight. Starting weight 407 and lowest was just under 300 but I'm now up to 340 and I'm looking to get another procedure because I just can't seem to find a diet (way of eating) I can stick with. My knees are shot so I need to lose weight to get knee replacement surgery. I had my gallbladder taken out. Has anyone had pain in the upper abdomen when your bend over for about a minute? What about a side pain (my right) almost feels like I bruised a rib. Thanks gang. Look forward connecting with someone that is going thru the same thing I am. I appreciate it.
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Insight/thoughts for someone considering sleeve surgery
blackcatsandbaddecisions replied to Veebear's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I think skin removal is possible with insurance but very unlikely. I had insurance cover my surgery but my plan specifically states that no skin removal, regardless of stated medical necessity, will be covered. That’s not an uncommon provision. Regardless, I’d focus on the weight loss and related surgery at this point. Many people lose the weight and never have skin removed. If I didn’t have the funds for it I wouldn’t stress over it, and I’ve lost almost 180 lbs so I def have extra skin. I’ve posted a pic of me in a swimsuit, however, and even then it’s not that overt. -
Food Before and After Photos
Sunshine Princess replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I love to cook so i'm finding all sorts of ways to get creative with the pureed foods! Its a bonus when my husband who can eat whatever he wants and lose weight says "that looks good" and then tries it! -
Revision without a high enough bmi now
Juniper123 replied to Nanajoy's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Totally been there. Had a lapband for 11 years and kept off about 60 lbs. Started aspirating at night, and my surgeon determined that my band had to come out. I had the band deflated and my surgeon had me start a supervised diet at the same time while we started jumping through the insurance hoops to try to get a revision to gastric bypass. My bmi was 33 at this point. I'm sure he knew I'd gain weight, and I did -- about 30 pounds, which easily pushed my bmi up into the range for revision surgery. I just got approved today to have a gastric bypass at the same time that the lapband comes out. It took me about 6 months from when I went in with problems to get to this point and jump through all the insurance hoops. July 6 can't come soon enough. And yes, I agree that it's insane that you have to raise your bmi to qualify. It was the first weight loss surgery that allowed me to get my bmi down in normal range in the first place!!! It would have been SO MUCH BETTER to just have gotten the revision right away when the doctor determined the lapband needed to come out instead of gaining the weight back. It's a ridiculous policy. I constantly reminded myself that while I was gaining weight temporarily, that my first weight loss surgery was successful and the revision will be as well, so it's a temporary pain in the rear in order to get a permanent solution. I feel your frustration and fully understand. -
I had the band to sleeve revision at the same time. That is, they removed my band and did the sleeve. While unfilled for a long time (esophagus issues), I had put on some weight. I did lose the weight I gained after I got the sleeve. The restriction (to me) was less than the band so it was hard work. I never reached my goal but was content with losing the weight I had regained. In August, I had the sleeve to rny revision due to severe gerd, and the weight loss was far more significant and faster. I got to goal fast. This is my case, since everybody is different. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app
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July 2021 Surgery People!
mali replied to Sammys_VSG_Evolution's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
As we’re nearing our one year mark i’d love to hear where everyone is holding!! Starting weight 234 Day of surgery 223 Current weight 169 Total loss so far 65 pounds! I’d like to get down to 145 or at least 150. ( i’m a 5”5 female) but I’m thrilled with where i am. I’m in normal sizes, shopping in regular stores. There’s a lot on these forums about wls having negative effects on marriage but in my case it made my husband super attracted to me! -
October surgery friends??
Meganator replied to LyricalWarfare's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
We're close to the end of 7 months out from October. I'm officially 100lbs down from a year ago (80ish PO). There's been a bit of a fast track kick start in my weight loss right now and I'm kind of just riding the wave (my start felt fairly slow, so I'm fine with it). I'm currently in the 220s- which I haven't seen since senior year of high school. I'm less than 50 from the big goal that makes everybody happy (surgeon, PCP, etc)- at 180lbs. This is my freshman year high school weight (how my PCP determined my goal) and the weight at which my surgeon expects I can maintain long-term. My BMI's top range is about 135, but as someone who likes to lift, I'm fine at a weight anywhere between 135-180, to be honest. As I get closer to this reality of meeting or surpassing 180, I may choose to lower my official target (for maintainence mode purposes). It's still a ways away, but just something on my mind lately! Hope all my October 2021 people are doing well in y'all's journies! -
21 Months Out and Starting to Gain :-(
LAJ23 replied to LAJ23's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Thank you both. I spoke to a relative regarding the bruising - he's a retired oncologist and hematologist. He thinks it's likely a vitamin K deficiency, but also suggested bloodwork, which I fully intend to request during my physical. He also asked if I take Ibuprofen on a regular basis (which I do due to the aches & pains) and he said that could cause it as well. Hoping that's all it is. As for the brain fog, memory loss, and mood swings, I totally agree that it could be hormones. My biggest concern though is the weight gain. I've worked so hard to get where I am...I got on the scale this morning and I'm up another .5#. I just want to cry. -
21 Months Out and Starting to Gain :-(
Arabesque replied to LAJ23's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had bruising for a little while in my second year I think. I am very fair & tend to bruise easily anyway but it seemed there was always another bruise & I wouldn’t know from where. They would take ages to disappear & were more yellow than purplish. I remember someone else here had the same issue & we posted pxts of our random bruises. My bloods were all fine so I was at a loss until I realised my body awareness was off & I was often bumping into things. Like I was always kicking my toe on my kitchen cupboard skirting board because my tummy wasn’t protruding & reaching the bench before the rest of me as a warning any more. Might sound crazy but once I started to be more aware of my body in relation to furniture, other people, hallways, doorways, etc, the bruising (& kicked toes) reduced a lot. Not saying this is what ‘s causing your bruises just something to consider. Damn oestrogen. My weight problems began with puberty (oestrogen feast) & then dramatically increased with the onset of menopause (oestrogen famine). I was put on a stronger HRT med at the end of last year & I put on weight. Only a small amount but it messed with my head for a while until I realised it was likely related to the extra oestrogen. (Benefit was my empty upper breasts have filled out a little so not as many pickets in my bras any more 😁.) And yes brain fog, mood swings (I got ‘feisty’ & more argumentative), poor sleeping habits, memory loss, muscle aches, etc. are all peri menopausal & menopausal symptoms. When you have your physical make sure the test your hormone levels. -
Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal switch with sleeve gastrectomy
ClareLynn replied to Changenprogress's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I had the loop DS / SADI-S in November 2021 (~6 months ago). I have a 300cm common channel (the part of my intestine that can still digest food and absorb nutrients). Since my surgery date I have lost 82 lbs and am still losing about 6lbs a month. I had some complications post surgery that I've had to deal with. Turns out my gallbladder was bad going into the surgery but no one realized it (since I had sludge and not stones). So they didn't take my gallblader out during the surgery and had to go back in to remove it 3 months later. I really wish they had proactively removed it because I was sick for months waiting for the gallbladder surgery and recovering from a second surgery so soon sucked. I still have a hiatal hernia because for reasons, it didn't get repaired. Again, I'd totally recommend making sure that they fix EVERYTHING while they have you open... I also have bad liver function test results that I'm waiting to hear back on, so I can't really comment much on why it's off. I feel fine though. I take vitamins 6 times a day for the rest of my life: 3 calciums and 2 multi vitamins. So far my vitamin levels look good. I eat about 500 calories a day still at 6 months out because I'm not hungry still. I realize some programs want more calories, but my surgeon has stressed that I shouldn't eat unless actually hungry. I don't have problems with any foods really, and my digestion is just fine (though I guess more gassy than before). I had a lot of health problems before surgery, none of which were resolved by the weight loss (total: 133 lbs). My a1c is better, though I still spike super high (200-300) if I have carbs (or surgery!) and even a small amount elevates my blood sugar all day. In my opinion, my a1c looks good because I'm eating so few calories, and zero carbs. In reality I will have diabetes for life and will need to watch that. I am still on blood pressure medication, still have migraines, still have intercranial hypertension, still take statins for my cholesterol, still take heartburn medication, etc. I am off of my diabetes medication for the time being. I did the weight loss surgery to resolve my health problems. So far I am very happy with the results, mostly because it's nice to be able to move around without getting hot and tired, and have people see me as a person and not immediately judge me for my weight. But it hasn't really made me healthier yet. Maybe it will eventually but either way it feels worth it. -
Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first
STLoser replied to chiquitatummy's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Yesterday, my son wanted to look for insects in the back yard and I went outside with him. While I was out there, I jumped on his trampoline! Now, I'm 50 years old and have a bum knee, so it wasn't the acrobatic jumping I could do in my younger days, but the fact that I could do it at all, and that I'm well under the weight limit for the trampoline is quite a victory for me, and I felt like a kid again! Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app -
Insight/thoughts for someone considering sleeve surgery
redhead_che replied to Veebear's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Sleeve recovery was easier for me. I was off 3 weeks only because I didn’t have confidence in my ability to meet my Fluid intake goals at a fast paced hospital job until week 4 started. For the bypass, I’m off 3 weeks because it’s needed. I’m still in pain. Bending hurts. Bowels aren’t regular yet. Fluid intake isn’t met yet. It definitely hurts worse and is taking way more of my energy. Weight loss so far is faster with my bypass. But I am currently in the famous week 3 stall. -25 since 5/6 🤷🏼♀️ But I did lose -110lbs with my sleeve so it can be done before GERD and regain. Keep up the research, I hope it helps you ❤️ -
February 2022 Surgery Buddies
Living_My_Best_Life replied to MeganMyers's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Everyone, I had the gastric sleeve surgery on February 1, and tomorrow will mark 16 weeks since my surgery. I'm doing pretty well (65.3 pounds down since start of pre-op two week diet, and 48 pounds down since the surgery), but I've definitely noticed that my weight loss is slowing down. I'm a little worried that I'm starting to snack more often (I'm loving sugar free chocolate pudding make with skim milk), and I need to focus on not resuming the snacking habit and sticking to my five small meals per day. I think I'm also starting to slack a bit on my protein intake - I'm averaging only 56 grams of protein a day for the past two weeks since I had a work trip out of town and struggled to get enough protein while traveling. I also need to work on maintaining my fluid intake. I guess I'm revealing this here to reinforce that I need to be accountable to my goals. I hope everyone is doing well!
