Search the Community

Omgoodness. I'm so thankful I'm not the only one! I had a sleeve to mini bypass done on 19th August and at week 3, I developed hives. Initially it was thought the hives were a drug allergy but they weren't. I can have totally clear skin then have a tepid shower and break out again. I break put at work or where my dog lays on my lap. I think of an itch spot and I'll look to find a welt. Lortadine is useless and the mild steroid creams I have are also ineffective. My surgeon has said no to steroid injections too. I'm going crazy with the itch. I wear gloves at work, I flare up, my watch band, I flare up. I've had to change to a heavier fabric scrubs to avoid the "slinky" material ones my organisation has because my skin didn't agree!

Well, I guess I'm not alone in this. Thanks to each of you for your thoughtful responses. Yes, it is mainly to get to sleep, but also to bring the brain down to normal ticking- I'm a wound up person, always was, when I worked a career I was a demon. Now retired but still, that tighter than a spring quality is part of me-- and yes, addictions are transferable for sure. I've been honest w/ my docs about it. They don't see harm in a couple drinks, generally. And yep, with the bypass surgery, the line between nice buzz and blitzed is a fine line--that much I learned pretty fast. Crazy thing is, I don't really have demons haunting me. Life is generally good. Sure, there's the usual life stresses but my life in general has never been richer (in quality). Thank you, my fellow/colleagues in this adventure.

Hello all - Has anyone developed IBS post Gastric Bypass surgery? I feel like my stomach is bloated. I experienced this at one year out last July and my APN told me to change my diet. I’m feeling the same symptoms at almost 2yrs out and wanted to know if this is common. It’s more of a full or bloated feeling with or without eating. No diarrhea or gas. Thoughts?

I’m pretty sure dry skin can also be from l not enough protein I’m using my phone so I’m not sure which surgery you had but if it’s bypass and increasing, your fluids, doesn’t work consider whether you just need more protein than the average bypass or if your activity is high, talk to your team, but they told me I needed to increase my protein because of my level of activity. Also, if your activity is really high, you may actually need to increase your carbohydrates. I would definitely talk to your team about your activity and your food intake. I know that increasing carbs sounds scary and counterproductive, but I’ve been on here for about four years now and a lot of people found that when they exercise level was high their body thought it was starving and was hanging onto everything until they increased their calories and then it started dropping so I would definitely ask if that could be an issue. Daughter it’s just the three weeks stop which isn’t exactly at three weeks, but it does happen to pretty much everyone.

1 month post op gastric bypass .. before and after and I ate an extra bite and the foamies kicked in and unfortunately I lost all the food! Reminder: listen to your full ques teehee. I'm still trying to get rid of old habits

What does your plan say and what in that is concerning you? From your profile you're less than 3 weeks post op - is that right? I have a sleeve not a bypass but at that stage it was more about sticking rigidly to my surgeon's plan than measuring anything. I was happy to get in my protein shakes and fluids. Everything else came much later. I hope you are doing well, not worrying too much, and get the maximum benefit from your surgery.

I believe the original poster has already had their surgery, but for anyone else who is reading this as someone else who has had a sleeve and needed a revision, if you do not have a strong medical reason for choosing one surgery over the other, and you’re choosing between the sleeve and the bypass I would’ve gone with the bypass to avoid meeting to take a PPI. my only reason for going with the sleeve and giving it a try, knowing that I may have to revise was because I’m on mental health meds, and we were concerned about the absorption. The sleeve was obviously a better option for that. However, I believe it’s like 26%, I read somewhere, of sleeves that need to be revised for Gerd or inadequate weight loss/ regain. The risks with the bypass are slightly higher, but in my opinion, not enough to have to end up revising because the revision surgery in itself is riskier than either procedure plus it’s a second surgery so twice the chances to experience the risks. If your doctor offers the SADI as a virgin surgery that complicates things a bit because the risk are lower for Gerd than the sleeve and the weight loss is higher and more durable than both research has found so far but it’s a little newer, and comes with its own set of sure and long-term risks that may not have been figured out quite yet. It does have a higher no absorption, so the risk of malnutrition is slightly higher than the sleeve and bypass but lower than the DS. Long story short, there really isn’t a perfect option, only a perfect option for you.. The biggest thing to keep in mind with all the surgeries is that any risk of complication is drastically lower than the risks of staying obese.

Is it a low dose PPI? If so it may be okay to stay on long term. I would ask your surgeon. I have been on a 20mg Omeprazole since after my sleeve and when I had a revision for weight gain I went witb the SADI knowing that I most likely will need to stay on the Omeprazole for life. My surgeon said it would be fine for me. I’m sure if he thought that there was any concern that he would’ve steered me towards the bypass. He left it up to me. He keeps his patients on them for a time post surgery anyways so I haven’t tried without it yet. They also may want you to try Famotodine if you are concerned about the PPI’s (it’s Pepcid). I tried the prescription version which was 20mg before my revision but it didn’t work. I just switched back to the Omeprazole without even asking if there was a stronger one since I knew I was gonna have to switch soon for my surgery anyways Maybe it will work for you??

I'm kind of confused on how much I should be eating at this point? I don't want to over eat.

I can confirm that stools and passing wind is a lot more pungent following the gastric bypass. It's because the anatomy has been altered and food is not being digested in the normal way. It's being bypassed. Hence the very strong odour.

Hi all! I had my sleeve to bypass revision on 9/9. I’m doing well, just sore in my shoulders from gas. How are my 9/9 twins?

Finally got a date. If all goes well my surgery will be November 4th. I’m having gastric bypass. I’m so excited.

So I am just over a year out and lost 115 pounds in total. Got approved for skin removal surgery for my stomach, Had that done last Friday I had no idea how much this would hur. My bypass surgery was cake compared to this I can still hardly move anyone who has been through this have any recovery recommendations?

@Justarwaxx I am so glad you got the reassurance that you need. It’s funny because everyone has heard of the “bypass” or WLS but when you talk about WLS or any type people always lump them all into one group and most people call them all the bypass (unless they are an actual patient but even then most aren’t real familiar with all of the surgeries in terms of specifics). Some people, even educated ones, don’t know anything other than it makes you lose weight. I had a Doctor (not a medical Doctor thank God) ask me if I was worried i wouldn’t lose all of my weight why I didn’t just ask them to take more out!’ Like all things in life until you have a reason to know you just don’t know.

Finally had a call with the nurse incharge and she just put my mind at ease! She told me to "chill" and that I am doing everything right!! She said don't forget u did the bypass and many of the comments and comparsion I've been getting and doing is towards gastric sleeve patients. She said everything I'm experiencing is right and to not panic about calories because I am definitely not over eating! Focus on Protien and avoid sugar! Teehee nothing new but felt good hearing it from her! Phew

A new week beckons… Laid in bed this morning, just taking stock of how I’m feeling and I actually feel happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that happy feeling for no apparent reason. The first part of my WLS journey is completed and now out of my hands for now so I’ve mentally put that to one side. I’ve started back at the gym and I’M LOVING IT!! I know the gym isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I truly enjoy it. I found something that works for me and can sustain it, which is really important for anyone trying to improve their fitness. I’ve been 3 times this past week and I’m not pushing it as yet, no matter how much the little devil on my shoulder is telling me to 😈 I’m aiming to go every 3rd day at the moment but will re-visit that in a few weeks time. Granddaughters party went as well as could be expected with other little kids there! I didn’t go mad food-wise - a burger, handful of mini sausage rolls, 1 Jammie Dodger, a cupcake and a small piece of cake. I actually threw a piece of quiche away which is a first for me and left the crisps, coleslaw etc alone! I know it may seem a lot but compared to what I would shovel away previously, it’s actually quite restrained! My body shape is changing, even if the scales aren’t particularly moving right now. I went through my gym stuff and tried on a pair of leggings that are size 18/20 and they fit! That was a bit of a surprise, especially as I couldn’t get them up my thighs previously 😮 Various other items are now ether too big or now fitting whereas before they were too tight. The jeans that were fine a few weeks ago? Can now get them off without unfastening them! I actually had to buy some smaller things this week. I’m not a fan of bras, they dig in and I find them uncomfortable. So I prefer the crop-top bralette type things (I’m a C cup at most) I’d noticed that I wasn’t feeling as ‘secure’ as I had before so decided it was time to update. I got a couple of vest tops with built-in support and a 3 pack of bralettes from M&S, all in smaller sizes and all fit - yay! It’s the simple things really that can give such a boost 🙂 Hairdressers tomorrow. I’m having a bit of a crisis with my hair at the moment. When I was accepted on to the Bariatric Pathway, I decided to grow my hair (all part of the ‘New Me’ vibe) Previously I had pixi-type cut and now it’s a short bob, just about at the bottom of my ears. However it’s lacking any body and looks really thin. I know my meds can play havoc, especially as I started a new injection back on November which can cause hair thinning after a few months. My hair hasn’t come out in clumps or anything, I’m just finding lots of stray hairs on things. I know that WLS also causes hair loss, so I’m now floundering a little. I’m going to have a chat with my hairdresser and see what she comes up with but I’m really erring on the side of ‘chop it off’…sigh…it’s not easy being a woman at times is it?? I plan to tackle more of my wardrobe this week and get that thinned out. Has anyone else gone through their clothes and thought to themselves “what were you thinking?” Yeah, I’m having a bit of that. However it’s more of a case of I’ve bought something previously and it has remained unworn. This is what happens when you’re the size of a a house - you buy something because it fits, not because you actually like it. I definitely will be a damn sight more discerning moving forward. Have a fabulously productive week everyone 😉 Onwards and Downwards!

Thank you so much I tried not to let her effect me because she clearly had no experience at all! Tomorrow I also have a call from the nurse incharge for all bariatric patients so I'll have a good chat with her and yes the dietician is experienced with WLS patients. I don't know why it shows bypass balloon! I had the gastric bypass. I think I picked the wrong one by mistake teehee. I'll edit it later! I'll keep a mental note to myself always to never ever compare 😫

You poor thing doing this without much guidance from your team. First of all, DO NOT let anyone give you advise who is not a medical professional or someone who had your surgery. Who knows what they are comparing it to. For one thing most people thing all the surgeries are a Bypass and they are all the same, and second who knows how far out this person was. On top of that, liquids pretty much go right through once the swelling goes down. One month post sleeve i Was practical bacK to drinking my normal one gallon of fluids which is twice what they recommend as a goal!! This time it’s really not a good comparison since they didn’t operate on my stomach but I am up to 3/4 cup of food per meal. My book says 1/2-3/4 cup. All I know is that I feel fantastic. I am losing at a steady pace and exercising too which I never did before. I know it’s hard not to compare but honestly we should take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt because your doctor is the only one who knows all about you and your circumstances as well as your surgery. Make sure that your nutritionist has worked with bariatric patients before or you will most likely be wasting your time though. Did you call and ask your team if they can get you in sooner?? Corrected to add actually I just realized you did not have a sleeve or bypass either. Honestly you need to get advise from someone who had your surgery. We can cheer you on and relate to many parts of all of this but I know I for one am not very familiar with your surgery at all.

Hello everyone! I discovered this forum a couple of weeks ago and have found it really helpful (so thank you!) but this is my first time posting. I’m scheduled to have a gastric bypass on September 12, and I’m really anxious and somewhat doubtful. I’m half way through my 2 week pre-op diet (2 shakes, 2 snacks, 1 meal, no carbs); I started 2 days late but still, I haven’t lost a thing. Anyone else experience this? what if it’s the same after the surgery? What if my body’s just broken from gaining and losing so many times? a little context: I’m female, 39 years old, and weigh 266.4 lbs. it’s the biggest I’ve ever been. I have three children, but after my second son passed away at birth in 2020, I was put on antidepressants which I take religiously. Early this year I was also diagnosed with ADHD and put on meds, and the loss of appetite and focus cut my food intake in half— still did not lose any weight.

Yesterday, I had my final appointment before my surgery date. I finally started having doubts about the whole thing and I'm relieved. Having doubts probably doesn't sound like a good thing, but it finally gave me chance to unload everything that was on my mind to the doctor. I was able to tell him that maybe I wanted the bypass instead. I've been on other forums and people seem to be really against the sleeve because long term weight loss is less than with other surgeries. But he reassured me that due to my age, no comorbidities and the fact that I'm on target with my weight loss, he still thinks this is a good surgery for me and my goals. They last time I spoke to him, he told me I wasn't sticking to the diet, and then he told me "most people lose only 3-4kg pre-surgery anyway" So why was he worrying me when I ONLY lost 5kg? But I guess he was in a better mood because he was back from holiday? 😂 Next appointment is a phone appointment where I just tell him my weight. And then the surgery weigh in and bloods before the surgery. I'm so ready for this now.

Had my surgeons appointment this afternoon and all went well. I’d dropped another kilo since my dietitians’ appointment a couple of weeks ago - yay! The surgeon was lovely and very approachable. The surgeon asked if I’d chosen a particular surgery and asked my reasons for it. I told him “Bypass please” and explained my thinking. He was happy and didn’t see any reason why I couldn’t have the Bypass. He then explained absolutely everything to me as we went through the consent form plus drew a couple of diagrams for me so he was extremely thorough! I felt very at ease and confident in what he was explaining. Obviously it helped that I had guidance from this forum plus had done wider reading too so nothing was a surprise even when he was explaining things that could go wrong and what steps they take to rectify any problems. It was comforting to know that they seem extremely pro-active in sorting things out and they don’t leave their patients to flounder on their own should they need help. So, next steps…the MDT meets weekly, generally on a Friday, so my case should be heard next week. He said that none of my tests have flagged anything up, the dietitian was happy with me plus I was taking some proactive steps myself so there shouldn’t be any issues and I should progress through to surgery. I asked how long the wait was without getting a cancellation and he said 20 weeks from now so that will mean mid to end of January next year. I did stress that I would be more than happy to take a cancellation which he noted. The only problem, he said, was making sure that I still had 3 weeks to complete the LRD as sometimes the cancellations are too close to the actual day of surgery. I’m feeling happy generally with everything. I’ve done all my stuff so now it’s down to the hospital. I have my granddaughters birthday party tomorrow, our anniversary dinner on the 15th and then I’m free and clear really. I feel I can relax a bit now. I’m as prepared as I possibly can be short of actually having the surgery! So exciting isn’t it??

I started having issues around 8 months post op from the sleeve. It started off as heartburn and quickly turned into GERD. I was having horrible, sharp stabbing pain in my stomach, burning in my stomach going up my esophagus and into the back of my throat, and I had a lot of nausea. I wasn't able to eat much because everything triggered the GERD, even milk and water and bread. My surgeon put me on 40mg of Nexium in the morning and it didn't touch it. So he upped it to 40mg twice per day, and it helped but I still had break through GERD so he also had me take Pepcid once per day and TUMS as needed. That kept things mostly at bay, but that was such a high amount of PPI over a long period of time that I started to develop polyps. He sent me to have a barium swallow and they found the gastritis and esophagitis and GERD that way. So then he sent me to have an endoscopy and they found my stomach was literally COVERED in polyps. It took 4 endoscopies in total to remove them all. After that I was told I had to have the revision to bypass, so I did. That was the best decision I ever made.

I had my bypass in 2018. Many foods still don't taste the same. My sense of smell and taste never really returned. That alone is worthy of mourning. I have a problem getting enough protein and calories. I am currently suffering from anemia (my hemoglobin had dipped to 5.2 at one point, requiring hospital admittance and blood transfusions.) The cause was determined... two ulcers slowly bleeding out. Eating is a chore... very little pleasure left.

Glad the cause has been found and you are on the road to recovery. I have pernicious anemia and for that reason at the first surgical consultation the surgeon said she thought sleeve would be the better option for me due to later complications with anemia and bypass. I was also told that unlike most sleeve patients who can stop the recommended bariatric vitamin regime after the first year that I was consider continuing on them for the rest of my life, I don't have an issue with that as no harm in taking them.