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I had bypass on wednesday, home today. The pain has lessened significantly , I'm able to drink liquids the way I need to, and able to eat. Lots of walking, and slowly waking up from the anesthesia. Del75 I felt the same way, I had lost 25 pounds in the few months prior and thought maybe I just keep doing that but I'm glad I did it. No regrets.

Hi Lark, I'm sorry you're feeling lousy. I'm 9 days post op, gastric bypass with Hiatal Hernia repair. It was rough the first couple days, it hurt and I couldn't stay awake for more than a few minutes at a time. And I couldn't pee. It was a rough go for the first couple days, but I got better by halves it seems starting 4 or 5 days out. I went home on Friday, took one pain pill friday evening and then didn't need anymore, yesterday and today I haven't needed any tylenol either. It will get better, sending you healing thoughts and hugs.

If you haven't had surgery yet, you may want to join the support group "Duodenal Switch SUPPORT Group" on FB for SADI/DS patients. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1799552573392212 There are a number of patients on there who have had the RNY and done revisions to SADI or DS. Honestly, the choice is up to you and how comfortable you are with your surgeon's opinion. There are plenty of lightweights who get SADI surgeries, especially those with pre-existing conditions. But some insurance companies still consider the SADI to be experimental, so be sure yours doesn't if you decide on it. You can get vomiting with any bariatric surgery. You can get diarrhea with any surgery. And while RNY can be good for GERD patients, there are plenty of people with GERD who still end up with a SADI or DS. I'm one of those patients, I have had GERD issues for years, but I wanted a more robust surgery than the RNY and two surgeons both agreed the DS would be the better option for me because I'm diabetic. The surgery normalized my blood sugar within 24 hours, as well as my blood pressure, and my cholesterol and triglycerides are normal now. It packs a huge metabolic punch. but I do have to watch carbs and sugars or I get diarrhea. My starting weight at surgery was 307, my goal is 180/170. But I regularly see lighter starting weights in my FB support group... Surgery type is a really individual decision!

I’m having my bypass on the 10th

I have a therapist that I speak to refularly but no she doesn’t specialize in food. Unfortunately there are not any therapists around here that specialize in food taking on new patients. I even asked the surgeons and they only know the ones they refer you to for evaluation to be cleared for surgery (who apparently want to make the quick $300 or whatever it was and move on because they don’t accept new patients). I know that it could be a huge help for me but I hate to bring it up again knowing he won’t have an answer anyways. I don’t want him to think I’m not fit for surgery if that’s my only option. I don’t have any eating disorders. I don’t binge or anything but I do eat when I’m upset. I am not sure to what degree that is normal or can be helped but I would love to try. I just can’t find anyone and I’ve asked anyone and everyone I can think of. Basically my drs team does not hace any info on the surgery yet. I think I may be one of his first patients with this particular procedure. He is a very well know and excellent surgeon but he only offered sleeve and bypass before as far as I know. Anyways so far I have read from many different sites that you can’t have grains, probably won’t be able to tolorate dairy, can have a small amount of fat, must eat a lot of protein of course but some people can’t tolorate beans and keep carbs low so limit the amount of fruit and what I consider to be the edible vegetables. Basically that leaves me eating meat all the time, with maybe a little avacado and nothing else, I mean in terms of the options that I actually like, am I right? I mean at least with the sleeve I could eat eggs and beans and fruit and veggies I liked. I’m talking about even in maintenance I don’t think people who get SADI can have these things. Otherwise it causes the bathroom side effects. im really hoping that I’m wrong. There is such a little Amount of very confusing information about this surgery out there and I do intend to ask the dr and the dietician. In fact I called and left a message for her earlier today wanting to know what she knows about this procedure and whether I should schedule with her to learn about diet in the long term? She didn’t call back yet. Do you know that there isn’t even a cookbook for this procedure yet. At least that I could find. I’m not getting this much of my anatomy altered and facing this type of risks without knowing my long term diet is going to be.

Hey all, I am pre-op for a Gastric Bypass with Heller Myotomy due to Stage 3 Achalasia. I have read some posts about cigar smoking after surgery, but haven't seen many with what procedure I am going to have. That being said, I am not a frequent smoker and I do not smoke cigarettes. I do enjoy an occasional cigar, however my surgeon has stated that there is no way that I can smoke after my surgery. This kind of sucks if I will really have that many complications because of some traditions we have within my workplace as a Paramedic and Firefighter. My question is, has anyone had this procedure and if so, have you had any complications with smoking a cigar post-op. Thanks all.

Thank you for this. One of the reasons I'm rebellious about some of the diet rules is the nutritionist applies all the same rules whether you had a sleeve or bypass. I don't like the doctor on the nutrition team because she has static goals regardless of your personal abilities. I didn't get a "good job, you're getting closer to your goal of 80g protein and 800 cal." I got "It's been 6 months, you need to consume 100g of protein and 1200 cal." This was very disheartening because I told them my stomach would hurt from trying to force myself to eat the 3/4 cup portions she told me to eat and I felt like all I did all day was eat and drink and still wasn't reaching the prior goal. It passed me off and I just mentally told her to go to #&%$ and took it at my own speed. I found more help here than from her.

Thank you so much for your response ChunkCat. Truly you make me feel so much better anytime I read your responses. I truly am sorry that happened to you too, I'm so glad someone stood up for you. I should of said something, but my anxiety kicked in and so I kept quiet and tried not to bother the nurses. I guess the surgeon felt I was already open so better something than nothing haha. Least that's what I feel happened when they saw my liver. I'm not mad at them just emotional. The surgeon visited me the next day and expressed he was sorry that he couldn't do the bypass. He also said he was very happy with the results and that he feels I will have just as much success if not more as the bypass. He also said that once I lose weight my liver should shrink more so we could discuss bypass down the road if I still feel strongly about it. I been on a waitlist for months to see a psychologist actually. This is because I have a lot if underlying trauma, C-PTSD, severe Anxiety, major depression disorder, etc. They also believe I could have more mental health illnesses, so they want to investigate so they can help me more. I think searching for a therapist also would be wise, but I struggle with opening up to people. I am very guarded. I also don't remember chunks if my past because I believe my mind blocked some out as a defense mechanism. I know there is bad stuff there but I don't remember it all if that makes sense? Sorry if I'm being a downer. 🖤 Also thanks for the suggestion of trying protein water!! I heard about those but I was nervous that they may affect my IBS too, but knowing you battle IBS too makes me feel more comfortable giving them a go. My IBS is so painful when it happens. It almost seems more frequent and even more painful now. I hope as my body heals and adjusts that this will not be as much of an issue. Thanks again for your input. Truly appreciate you.

I'd really love to hear from other men who have had plastic surgery following weight loss. I am a year and a half out from my bypass now and for the most part am pretty happy with the results. My weight has held pretty steady for the last six months and I've been working with a personal trainer for a few months now and happy with the results, especially in my arms and shoulders. However, as is to be expected there is a lot of loose skin around my middle. I have tried wearing my trousers higher than I used to and for the most part it's okay, but still feeling pretty self conscious about taking my shirt off - especially when I lean forward and the skin drapes off my torso. I've been thinking a lot about surgery to remove excess skin - definitely around my stomach but possibly my upper arms, inner thighs, and butt. I'm trying to find more information, but a lot of first hand accounts here in the forums tends to be from women, and when I look on surgeons' websites they tend to feature before and after photos and testimonials from women. Are there any men here who would be up for sharing their experiences of surgery after WLS? I'm especially interested in the procedures you had, the recovery process, and photos of the results if you'd be willing to share. Also, any recommendations for surgeons in the UK would be really appreciated!

I worked for almost a year toward my gastric surgery. My husband had a sleeve two years ago and everything went perfect. He feels so much better and has improved his health. But my story didn’t go as planned! I had a gastric bypass on 12/5, but I developed complications immediately. The very next day it was discovered that my small intestines had decided to close off completely. Evidently this is a super rare occurrence . I had to go into emergency surgery to remove the blockage. During the second surgery, I aspirated and my lungs filled with fluid. I developed pneumonia. I came out of that surgery on a vent! It got worse when my body went into sepsis and I developed ARDS! I ended up on that vent and medically paralyzed for 11 days! I ended up spending 21 days in the hospital with most of that being in ICU fighting to stay alive. Now, I’m home, but I’ve had to regain strength in order to walk and to use my arms and hands. It’s been a long road and still not back on my feet. It’s hard for me to look back and think this surgery was worth all I’ve been through, all my family has been through! I still can’t work or function completely independently. Has anyone had any such complications?

I’m year 3 years post op Bypass and I gained 15 pounds It’s been difficult to accept, but it’s common. I can eat more, my appetite has come back and I had to do a liquid reset (protein) to turn the head hunger off. It works for me to do a liquid reset, weight loss pills (phentremine) did not work. I’m also strength training high impact Krav Maga 4 hours weekly. Not giving up, just accepting this part of the journey and resetting to continue reaching my goals. I’d like 10 lbs back off :)

I’m year 3 years post op Bypass and I gained 15 pounds It’s been difficult to accept, but it’s common. I can eat more, my appetite has come back and I had to do a liquid reset (protein) to turn the head hunger off. It works for me to do a liquid reset, weight loss pills (phentremine) did not work. I’m also strength training high impact Krav Maga 4 hours weekly. Not giving up, just accepting this part of the journey and resetting to continue reaching my goals. I’d like 10 lbs back off :)

So I am 5 years and 2 months post-op RYGB. I made it beyond my goal weight of 170lb to 160lb. Technically I was as low as 145lbs because I was very sick in 2020 then again in 2022, but after getting better, I stabilized at a steady 160lb. Last July I started online streaming/socializing with people. I started snacking more because of nerves and also began drinking quite heavily because being silly tipsy in front of strangers is fun! I had NO IDEA how many calories was in alcohol. Over the course of 5 months, I gained 20lbs. Even more, I noticed that I can eat almost a "normal" plate of food the same size as my family's. I broke the rules and had started drinking fluids with my meals. I think I thought I could get away with breaking rules because I was at a stable 160lbs. Now I am FREAKING out! I hate exercise. I never did it, even with my prior weightloss. I am using a tracking app my husband's VA dietician told him to use called Fat Secret. I am trying to stick to 1600 calories, which is super hard. I feel hungry all the time now. I think I caused pouch dilation. I refuse to be heavy again. My clothes are already getting tighter than I like. I was doing research today on weight gain after years post-op. I basically am reading that I need a bariatric reset. I am going to do a 2-week "Pouch Reset Diet." It's not to make my pouch smaller, but it's to retrain my body to feel full with smaller portions again. I need to go back to the basics, and it's really hard. I also don't get DS with sweets like I used to. Don't get me wrong, I still get sick, but I noticed that my sugar tolerances have changed. It really worries me. 40% of bypass patients fail and bounce back to within 10% of their original weight pre-surgery. I will NOT be a part of that 40%. My support system at home is tricky. On one hand, my husband does support me outwardly. But he himself weighs 415lbs and isn't doing much about his weight. He watched my struggles and drustrations and outright refuses surgery for himself. He's on some stupid intermitent fasting diet, but he still eats way too large portions at meal times. My 15 y/o son is pushing 285lbs, and his only exercise is video games. For me, it's like living around all these food temptations is a struggle. It's like being an alcoholic and living at a bar. I just ordered a crap ton of protein powder so I can jump start this Pouch Reset Diet. I started to push myself on working out at least a little bit. I have a mini stair stepper and an eleptical bike. Anything is better than nothing. I am just wondering if I am alone in my struggles?

How much protein are they expecting you to get in? As far as I know, 60-80 grams is a typical goal for a bypass patient, with 80 grams being the excellent mark. And I agree, that is only 4 oz short of 64 oz, nothing to get bent out of shape over. Is more better? Yes, to a point, but my PA told me that to be getting 64oz of water in by 3 months is better than most patients are able to do... So it is odd they are riding you about it. You are doing great!! Most people cannot get their full requirement of protein in at 3 months, let alone at 6 weeks post op!! Give yourself some credit and ignore the complaints from them. I think it is generally good to follow our team's advice, but when they are making you feel bad for being within range of your goals (or very close to it) at 6 weeks post op, I think it is okay to set it aside and really appreciate for yourself how good you are doing... But that's just me, your mileage may vary. LOL

I had a gastric bypass on Monday. Tuesday was actual hell because I kept throwing up for nearly 24 hours. I was feeling better by Thursday and was able to come home on Friday but now (Saturday) I am vomiting and it tastes like fecal matter smells? My hospitals nurse line is closed so I can’t call until tomorrow. Has anyone else had this happen? If so, what were the results? Google is making it sound like I may need another surgery to fix a blockage.

The PPI won’t cause hunger. It reduces the acid in your tummy. You’re ahead of the game if you can differentiate between head & real hunger. Yay! Those distraction activities will help when you are experiencing head hunger. If you feel hungry after you’ve eaten, that’s head hunger too. Try a warm drink instead of a shake. They’re a meal replacement not a snack. Many are advised to wait at least three or four hours between eating & only three meals a day & maybe a snack. I still have times I can feel liquids go down. It’s a bit weird at first but now it’s just one of those things like my vey noisy, rumbling, grumbling tummy. Your experience last night sounds like late stage dumping not the foamies. The foamies (frothy, thick saliva & bringing up what you ate that was stuck or too coarse or too much) occurs pretty soon after you’ve eaten the offending food. Dumping symptoms can include chills, weakness, light headedness, nausea, bloating, heart palpitations & vomiting &/or diarrhoea. Dumping usually occurs if you eat foods that are too fatty, have too much sugar. Even dairy can cause it. It occurs when these foods go through your tummy to your intestines very quickly (dumps through your system). About 40% of bypass patients can experience dumping. Once you work out what causes yours, you can avoid those foods. Some say in time they work out how much of those foods they can eat without experiencing dumping. Worth a conversation with your team to diagnose & management.

I had heard about the honeymoon period at the start of it all. Didnt really think much about it at the time. But this has smacked me hard.The honey moon period is well and truly over. Reality is kicking back in. I had the RNY back in May 22. Since then I have lost 60 kg or 132 pounds. I had Covid for Christmas. I have managed depression and anxiety for decades now. In the last month my anxiety and depression have flared up something chronic and I am stuffing food into me as if I had never had the bypass. I am loathe to weigh myself and I can feel my body change again. Food addiction is real and I am terrified that I am going to regain all the weight I had lost. I dont want to be trapped in my own body again. I want my muscles to be strong. I dont want the panic attacks to dominate me again. Right now I feel distended and hopeless. Has anybody else tackled this point. I dont want to be overtaken by a Tsunami of food and shame and guilt. Who eats food off the floor? Who eats food out of a bin? I want the control back. Is it too late now that the honeymoon is over. Has anybody else tackled this time and won? Anybody? Anywhere?

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. On the advice of my therapist and my surgeon's nurse practitioner, I stepped away from bariatric social media for a bit before my revision. The surgery went OK - it did take 6 hours, as my surgeon found a considerable amount of irregular tissue on my sleeved stomach that had to be removed and biopsied. Thankfully it turned out to be benign - probably was scar tissue from my sleeve surgery. I did have more pain and nausea immediately after surgery this time than the first time around and ended up staying a second night in the hospital until that was under control. It got much easier from there, and I only took 2 of the oxycodone they sent home with me (right before bedtime on the first two nights at home), and then minimal Tylenol for the next few days. I've been able to get all my fluids and protein in from the start. Pain is now minimal, my incisions are healing well. I'm starting to get my energy back albeit slowly. I'm now on soft foods and have tolerated each new food I've introduced without any problems, My biggest issue is constipation - I don't remember it being this bad after my sleeve. I'm using Colace, Benefiber, and Miralax. I wish I could drink coffee, that would help! 😫 My surgeon also left my pouch a little on the larger side, saying she doesn't want me to lose TOO much weight. I'm pretty disappointed about that, since I had 40-50 pounds to lose. I'm definitely already on the upper end of the amount I'm supposed to be eating at this point - 4oz. per meal (3oz. protein + 1oz. fruit/veg). I am down about 10lbs since surgery at 3 weeks post-op and just got back out of the OBSESE category. Hopefully I'll continue to lose at least something over the next few months.

I didn’t have any pain like that after my surgery & was off pain meds by day 5 too. Mind you the gas pain was still pretty bad a week later. Was surprised as I had none with my sleeve & it was the same surgeon like you. Give your surgeon a call. Better to be sure. PS Did they use the same incisions as from your bypass?

So how much protein does everyone else eat in order to keep muscle? I expect none of you count calories but you probably pay attention to your protein intake so give me some numbers please... I'm just trying to get to normal. The correct amount to eat every day calories protein carbs. As of yet I have not seen any doctor who could give me that information... I'm looking for a nutritionist who specializes in gastric bypass. Until then just knowing a protein amount to shoot for would help. I'm 6"3 39 ,180 pounds

i just had a revision from a sleeve to roux en y and yes i can hear everything. i also feel things moving through. Has anyone else had this experience?

I agree with this. At your starting weight you should have been offered a Duodenal Switch or a SADI procedure. If you weren't, I'm assuming it is because your surgeon can't perform those surgeries, so just offered you the sleeve? If you were offered these options, why did you opt for just the sleeve? My highest weight was 320. Two surgeons agreed I should have a traditional duodenal switch. I did the research and agreed with them, though originally I just wanted the sleeve. I was terrified of the switch portion of the surgery, especially because I've had ulcerations of the small intestines due to my autoimmune disease. So my surgeon called and consulted with my GI doctor and together they decided the DS was the best option for me and worth the risk because of how many benefits it would offer me. So I decided to accept my fear and go with the DS anyway. I'm so thankful I did and that it was an option offered to me. It has changed my life in so many ways for the better... The sleeve is the first part of a duodenal switch, that's where the sleeve operation actually came from. The intestinal part can be added at any stage by a surgeon qualified to do it, but only a small percentage of surgeons can perform it, as it can be rather complex. We see revisions from sleeve to DS all the time in my support group.

Hey everyone!! 👋 Hope you all are doing well. I have my gastric bypass surgery tomorrow. Just felt like sharing. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated. Much love to you all. 💞

I went that exact route and the bypass was the easiest recovery for me and with no side effects except constipation which is easy to treat. I take miralax (a tsp a day) is perfect for me. But I have to add the common "everyone is different" so this is my story. I had to go from band to vsg due to serious complications of the band, and then I had to go from vsg to rny due to developing severe gerd.I really think the band created that environment by damaging my esophagus before the sleeve. The best way for me to describe the rny revision is... Finally a feeling of normality. I feel so good and normal now, pre-any weight loss surgery normal except I can't eat as much. No severe gerd, no side effects, no hassle anything except taking daily vitamins which I always did anyway pre WLS.I hope this helps.

I think a lot of surgeons prefer the sleeve because it's an easier surgery to do. It seems like it's also overtaken bypass as the "gold standard" (although that wasn't true when I had my surgery since it was still relatively new then - at least as a standalone surgery). Although there are a few situations where bypass is the better option (like...GERD). I had GERD prior to surgery. My surgeon said he'd do either, but he recommended bypass as it usually improves - and often outright cures - GERD - whereas, as you know, sleeve can make it worse (although only in about 30% of cases. But I didn't want to take the risk). I'm glad he encouraged me to at least consider bypass because I didn't want to end up one of those 30%. But there are sleevers on here whose GERD never got worse, and for some, it even improved. It's really a crap shoot. anyway, yes - it's definitely a risk. I'm not sure what to tell you since this guy seems deadset against doing a bypass. And you're sort of limited by your insurance. Yikes. What a predicament. Although maybe you'll luck out and be one of the 70% who DON'T experience GERD issues (or in your case, worse GERD issues). My heart goes out to you - that's a difficult position to be in.