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I finally did it! Back on 19 May 2022 I had my revision surgery from Lapband to RNY Gastric Bypass. So as of today (23 May 2022) it's my 4th day Post Op. Fortunately for me personally I have been able to sip water and other free liquids (soups) etc without any nausea or vomiting. I just have to work toward, to eventually get all the daily protein and fliuds into my body per day - aim to have each meal "pack a punch" nutritionally. I'm definitely adding my Tasteless Protein & Tasteless Fibre into my liquids, as I certainly do not want to experience any constipation. I know what that's like, from past experience many years ago. I'm not going to bother about jumping on any scales at least for a couple of weeks as I am bloated with all the swelling etc. I'm just focusing on "getting healthier" as my no.1 priority and let everything else fall in place (the "added bonus" as I call it). I was on a 2 week pre-op diet, lost about 4 kilograms (approximately 8.8 pounds). Here's to the beginning of my NEW LIFE (and I turned 50 years old the day I was discharged from Hospital) . A Gift to myself, to have a healthier version of myself in my later years to come !!!

I’m a little further down the path than you but I haven’t had my surgery yet, but I did want to share one thing I learned so far. Listen to your instincts and find a program that you feel comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to stop the process at any point if that is what your instincts are telling you. Back at the end of 2021 I went with a local surgical program I’m familiar with and I had good recommendations for. My husband went to the initial appointment with the dr and we asked our questions. We left not feeling confident about the surgeon or the program but I chalked it up to nerves. Along the way I had more appointments - some went great … some made me feel uneasy with the program, like they were just pushing me through and not addressing my concerns. I met all my requirements, went through the required steps and I had surgery scheduled for early Feb. I was just two weeks from my surgical date and I canceled. Before I canceled I talked my concerns through with my husband, PCP, endocrinologist and the facilities practice manager. It just wasn’t the right fit for me. Since then I looked into other area programs, debating if I really should go forward with surgery. This month I found another I think will be a better fit for me. I just started the process but if all goes well I expect to be scheduled this summer - hopefully July or early August. It’s a little frustrating to be starting over again, but I’m much more at ease knowing this program is a better fit and I have been reassured that if I’m not ready at three months (my expected approval plan) they will work with me to make sure that I feel comfortable and confident with the process to have the very best out come for me. If I decide to not have surgery they will refer me to the medically supervised weight loss program as a plan B, if I decide surgery isn’t the right choice at any point. Although the idea of surgery still scares me somewhat, I feel much more comfortable this time around knowing I have support both outside the program and within - which is more likely to help me be successful. Best of luck in your journey, no matter what you decide to do.

Congratulations on getting ur date! U got this! I start my 2 week pre-op diet on June 16. It is definitely not as strict as I was expecting. I have heard some are borderline torture. I am able to have meals, but the last day is liquid only. I've started making small changes now to get ready for all the changes. Definitely trying to get my water in over the course of the day vs. chugging in the evening. Work in progress. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Honestly you are doing really well. I lost 17lbs in the 6 weeks after my sleeve, if that helps at all. 6 months in and I am 27lbs from goal. Trust your sleeve, it will work if you follow your programme. Best of luck.

I dont think any insurance will cover skin removal since that is a cosmetic issue. I am just 1 inch taller than you and i was at 317lb when i first started. I am about 5 weeks post op and i have lost about 40lb and its awesome. before surgery i could not stand more than 5 minutes without my back hurting like crazy and i could not walk across a mall. Now i am walking miles a day and have no issues standing. only 5 weeks in and i find it worth it. I cant wait to loose more. Only thing that does suck is well food was a major part of my life as most of us. I miss the going out and grabbing mcdonalds or taco bell or going with friends to random places and pigging out lmao. I was self pay. My insurance did not cover it. After surgery its a huge change with food. so far for the last 5 weeks (since i started on actual food and not liquids ) ive been eating pretty much the same thing and i am starting to get really tired of it. Need to try different things. Make sure you dont have any acid reflux. (doctor will probably order an endoscopy) because if so then the sleeve wont work for you.

Hey fam, New here and strongly considering gastric sleeve surgery. I found this site from a helpful youtuber who documented their journey and spoke highly on it. Been looking more into it to be sure my insurance covers or at least will pay for the majority as well. I'm mostly looking for thoughts/suggestions/pointers for those of you who have gone through it. Things you wish you had known before going into it to better mentally prepare myself (or anyone considering ) before making the leap. Currently, I'm 35 5'3 and a bit over 300lbs struggling with weight most of my life as I know many do. I know my stress eating is something I'll really need to work on prior to also making that leap as I sure do not want to go into this, have it help, and backslide. I'll likely see someone about that before committing to anything in hopes I can jump-start working on myself in that aspect. I have watched a lot of videos and read quite a bit on experiences, but I'm really interested to get more information and absorb as much as I can as you all know, this is life-changing surgery. Also curious for those with so-so insurances if they covered skin removal, not an immediate concern but trying to take in everything. Truthfully, I think after being heavy ones whole life, I think I'd be happier just feeling healthy and being more active over that but this is also why I'd like thoughts. Any guidance is much appreciated, whether it be before surgery prep, a week, or a year+ after. I read a bunch the other day joining and am looking forward to the wisdom anyone would be willing to share. Thank you!!

I was sleeved 04/21, today is my 1 month post op and I’ve only lost 16lbs. I know, I know, everyone is different but it is super discouraging to see others losing so quickly and I’m just here struggling. I struggle to get my protein in, I hate the taste and have tried several different kinds, even the “unflavored” kind is awful. I have severe smell and taste aversion post surgery and have been on purées for a week now and can’t seem to feel normal again. I have no desire to eat, and drinking water makes me pretty nauseous. I walk 2-3 miles every day… Did anyone have these issues? How did you overcome this? Also, every time I eat or drink something other than water, my heart races for about 30 min afterward. Any insight? Thanks a bunch! SW: 228lbs CW: 212lbs H: 5’4 Sleeved: 04/21/22

I had my op on 19th (Thursday) and got home on Saturday morning. I struggled a bit with keeping fluids down on the Friday but thankfully that passed and I'm now drinking well, and have had some thin soup and protein yoghurts so feel I have some energy back. Remarkably I haven't had much in the way of gas pain - definitely some discomfort in the first 36 hours or so but it eased with some walking around. So happy to be home and that it's done - I have a feeling the next couple of weeks will feel long whilst I'm on fluids only but excited to be in this next chapter of my life!

I really don’t mind at all, I’m the cook at home and I’ve adapted my recipes! He just gets a big bowl and I get a small one 😁 I don’t avoid pasta, rice or potatoes, but watch the fat and sugar content very closely. (Right now I’m 1.5 kg away of having lost 100% of my excess weight btw) Thankfully he doesn’t bring home or order take out/fast food, that’s a mutual decision that is working out well for both of us 😁 Re: supermarkets, I have only set foot in one twice since my surgery end of august 2021! I get my groceries delivered once a week and I absolutely love it. For me the service is money well spent, not only is food shopping a complete waste of time (imo) it is way too busy and frustrating to try to do your shopping outside of work, and everything inside the store is geared towards getting you to buy unnecessary things. It’s also really helped me disconnect from food in a way, by engaging with it less overall.

Hi Parisshel, it was very painful, scary and I'm just happy it's over and the band is gone and I'm still alive. The way he explained it is that when the lapband first came out, they made two different versions of it. One was made with hooks, where you can turn it easily to put it in and the theory was, if it had not slipped nor eroded, it would be just as easy to take it out. He said I did have the one with these "hooks" -- and I'm not quoting him on WHY it wound up having to be dug out - but I'm assuming because of the slippage that happened. Also, another possible contribution to this issue could be that I was not having it filled consistently because I felt it was already too restrictive and people were commenting on that I was losing too much weight. (I think some might have even questioned if I was "sick" with something). I filled it a few time in the 10 years I had it and towards the end had it loosened/filling taken out and then eventually, unfilled completely in Nov 2021--- and maybe that's when it really started to slip and all that happened to wind me up having it completely removed. My suggestion to anyone that has one -- is, even if you are not going in to get a fill - at least still visit with your doctor and drink the barium so they can check in on the band - ask about slippage, erosion, etc. At the beginning of the big "lap band surge" before they knew a lot of long term reactions --- the doctors and surgeons would say it is "VERY RARE" that it will slip or erode. Now, they are finding out -- it is MORE common than NOT for it to erode and/or slip. So, have it checked - mine was supposed to be checked every three months. But, because I wasn't interested in having it filled, I would not follow those standards. I had a very very reputable doctor too, so, it really was my fault for not having him check in on it time to time, regardless of fills. To address your last part, I am feeling a lot better, thank you! it has been two weeks and 2 days since the removal. I would say I was only "ok" after about a full week. I still have incision tape that needs to fall off, but all in all, worth it knowing now that it's out! I have to say, I have not gained any weight since the removal and do not see myself eating any more than I did with it in (but again, remember I wasn't filling it, and he it completely unfilled last November). Looking back, I think the one benefit I did gain from it - it gave a "kick start" on my weight loss but also forced me to realize and change my eating habits. !! Good luck with everything!

Ooh- that’s next week for me, can’t wait. Love both.

I had a period the week before my surgery on 5/6 that was mostly normal, lasted a day longer than usual. I had to go off birth control before surgery and then now post op can’t resume until 7/6. It’s time for a period per my app (what would I ever do without that thing 🤣) and it’s a few days late. Is that fairly common? I’m a revision and after my sleeve I remember having a period very quick. But that was a few years ago.

My surgeons office specifically said no on the patches. I wore them for the first 2 weeks. then i started taking capsules. The chewable and the ones that melt in your mouth made me throw up within minutes. Even the capsule ones make me very nauseas but its better than the others.

Yeah, I love popcorn too. I had some at a baseball game. It put me in a major stall because then I wanted some at home every night. At one month I wouldn’t try it because it’s so rough. Just remember it’s a carb, try it later after you’ve been given the all clear. Then test it for yourself and see how you do both digestively and weight wise.

Hi everyone I am one week till my surgery and I am having a hard time with keeping on my liquid diet. My diabetes is giving me problems. I can't seen to keep my level in the right range. I have been drinking Glucerna and Premiere Protein drinks plus Carnation Instant Breakfast drunks. Any suggestions ? Watching the rest of my family eat solid food is really hard , plus I am really scared of the surgery. Any advice from anyone ? Sent from my LM-Q730 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have had three vasovagal syncope incidents since my GBS, but all were related to needing IVs inserted for medical procedures (cataract removal and gallbladder removal). I’m a breast cancer survivor though and had this — again related to blood draws / IVs — while undergoing treatment many years ago, well before my GBS. So I am predisposed to this reaction for IVs, and my doctors (since several were involved) think the fasting (including liquids) probably contributed to my predisposition. I have low blood pressure generally. The first incident occurred during my first cataract surgery prep, where I did pass out. Following that, I alerted the following two anesthesiologists, and they put me in the head-down, feet-up posture, which helped. I’ll have to check iron levels to see if that may be affecting my reactions.

I am feeling much better and doing as much walking as I can so I have very little gas pain today. I ended up with an abdominal binder and it helped with the pain so much. I wear it when I go on my longer walks or in the car. I've met my intake goals for the last 3 days in a row. I'm feeling very positive. The most difficult part for me right now is that I am craving meat. I still have a couple weeks to go until I actually get to chew meat but the days are going by more quickly than I thought they would. It helps that I'm napping a lot lol. I hope every one here is well and moving forward

Hi. Thank you for responding. I had pain right after surgery but only for the first 3 days and it was tolerable with a muscle relaxer and Tylenol. I didn’t have the burning sensation until this week. It was better today and less intense. Appreciate you and wishing you a healthy recovery!

That's how I was when I first started my 3-weeks I think what it is is that you're not drinking enough or eating enough so your body is not used to it so I say talk to your doctor about it and keep trying to get your liquids in even if it's just tiny sips just keep sipping all day Sent from my Pixel 4a using BariatricPal mobile app

Anyone else have boundless energy after surgery? I’m a little under a week out and my energy levels are through the roof. I haven’t felt this energized in nearly five years. I have had very little pain or soreness since getting home from the hospital. I feel kind of weird, like maybe my surgeon is a wizard or something?

I agree with what everyone said above. I’m on week 5 after surgery and my mood changes daily. Yesterday I was in the “angry” stage and just frustrated with everything. Sometimes I’m just zombie brain and stare out the window thinking about food. I’m reading a book that is a great boost for my moodiness and gets me out of my head. It’s called UNTAMED by Glennon Doyle. It’s full of short stories about being a woman, woman empowerment, finding happiness, overcoming shame and guilt, etc. I find that reading really helps and is a nice distraction from the negative thoughts that overwhelm me at times.

I have eaten out twice now and both times with someone who knows I have had the surgery. The first time I dumped after a few hours and was unwell for a few day. I think my choice was greasy, I forgot to ask for dry cooking. The second time I couldn't have a pre look at the online menu and chose just a prawn starter. The prawns were really tough and I left it and sat chatting to my friends. I am going on Holiday in 4 weeks and really do not know what to tell the people that I am with. I have never told them. My micro portions will be noticed. They know me very well. I imagine I will have to say what's happened. I am struggling to eat more than 2 ounces of protein and no veg. Any advice welcome

I was a long term smoker, I continuously stopped and started smoking so many times. I only managed it in the end by being in a hospital bed for 11 weeks. I never had chance to smoke. I figured that the nicotine was now out of my system. That was 12 years ago and I have never wanted to smoke again. I would never have stopped otherwise. My point is you will not get any judging from me. BUT - You need to stop now if you want this surgery. I believe some hospitals will not do the surgery if they detect it. You need to be as fit as you can for any surgery, Life is very unfair, just when you need it most your go to helpers are taken away from you. It will be a battle of wills for you. I hope you win. Good luck

I had to delete nuts from my diet, too many calories and not enough satiety. I do find the temptation to snack happening so I'm trying to be vigilant about that. Fifteen pounds to go, eight months and a week out from surgery.

You might try some simethicone. The trade name is Gas-X. That's why the surgeon's medical assistant recommended to me 3 weeks or so of my gastric bypass. She said the pain was probably retained gas. You can buy Gas-X anywhere. There are less expensive generic brands, too.