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I believe all opinions are welcome here and people considering surgery should be informed about possible complications. People researching WLS should also be informed that not everyone adjusts well to post bariatric life, and yes some regret it. Thank you for your post. I am truly sorry you are going through this. You may never stop regretting it but I hope find a new normal that you can live with. I don't think anyone should have to live with fecal incontenance. I am in the USA and my bariatric team would have been all over this. Being a small rural hospital... I would been referred to Johns Hopkins or another world class top hospital after a short time. I guess what I am asking is whether You have faith in your medical team? Have you consulted with another bariatric team or gastroenterologist. It is hard to heal and create a new normal when you as sick as you are. I hope your health improves soon so can make the best of this regretful situation.

I read some interesting comments today and I wanted to make something really clear. Out of all these people around the globe that are on this website, there are going to be some of us that have found post op, that this surgery was the wrong decision. If you want this website to be honest and truthful, a source of good solid information for people considering surgery and a source of support for people post op, then everyone's experiences should be welcome. The reason's I think this surgery was wrong for me has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with my post op complications! And as for comments about people who regret their surgeries and have complications because: • "houses were dirty" • "they didn't follow instructions" • "they haven't seen the great results yet" • "they are just negative people and negative people are more vocal So, just let me tell you this, some of us simply made a mistake. We thought this was a good plan, we took advice, did our research, attended the seminars and weigh ins (in my case, two years attending). We met our surgeons, we discussed our pre existing conditions, we spoke to our family and friends. I myself have a counsellor, did CBT counselling for the entire two years pre op and am deemed emotionally and mentally sound. (just as an aside, my NHS CBT counsellor did not agree with this surgery). I checked with my pain mgt team about the efficacy of my medications post op. And it was still a mistake! And so what? It happens. And people like me should be able to explain these things without others trying to negate our admission of this mistake by offering excuses as to why we are unhappy with our decision. I could have floated onto a cloud, had magical unicorns lick away my stomach, and woke up in paradise fully healed, sipping a cocktail in the sun and I would still tell you that this was a mistake for ME. And for many of my friends. It doesn't matter how many years post op I get, I will consider this a mistake. My house is not dirty, I followed instructions to the letter, I consider my bariatric discharge booklet my life guideline and I never variate. I keep in touch with anyone and everyone in my medical care stream that might be helpful. And complications happened. And yes, to many of us in our bariatric system. But again, it was not the complications that disturb us. We all have different reasons for regretting it. Most of us feel that we were misinformed, which doesn't help. My neighbour regrets her bypass because of her now permanent diarrhea and no improvement in her diabetes. She tells me that she has to think about food most of the day just to keep herself fed (choosing the right foods so as not to vomit), and she could have simply dieted harder if she had known she would have to think of food all day. She is three years post op and she still struggles with dehydration. Her hair never grew back after the initial drop out. I myself am only 9 weeks post op and have had complications so I can't know what my future holds. I miss eating quickly and simply in a way that doesn't have to be well thought out. I want to be able to eat a full salad, maybe even with dressings, without worrying about which component might not agree with me. I want to be able to eat any kind of meat I want cooked how I want in the quantity I want. I want to drink beverages with my meals. I miss a morning coffee or afternoon tea. I miss ice tea. (I know other people can drink it but I can't now). I don't want to have to plan my food day meticulously or be different from others around me eating. I want my medications to work again in the way they did pre op to control my fibromyalgia symptoms. And I have definitely seen weightloss results. As I was lying there starving to death for seven weeks, I have lost all but 20lbs of my expected and required excess weight to satisfy my healthcare team. ( I am still only getting around 500 cals a day in, but have constant diarrhea so who knows how much stays in). I now look "normal" except for the grey pallor in my skin and the nappy I now have to wear because of fecal incontinence (my IBS-d was totally controlled before surgery). I am six dress sizes smaller but can only leave my house if I don't eat anything and wear adult protection in case of Water causing an "accident". Or in case I become faint from lack of food and fall. So I do actually feel that had I read a forum entry like this, I might have thought twice. And that's a good thing. If people are scared, that's okay. Let them hear more than just "don't worry, I was fine, you will be too!" Because maybe they won't! So this is not about complications, it's about people. One size does not fit all. Some of us should have simply accepted our weight, or worked harder to diet it off. Had I taken in only 300 to 500 calories a day for 9 weeks pre op, I would have lost all this weight anyway. If you are happy, well done! If you are dead set on going ahead, ignore this. If you are a high BMI person (think 600lb life), God bless you, this may save your life, if you are a food addict, I feel your pain. You will still have to diet post op! You will still have to exercise. If you are undecided, then simply take a breath, think about it, really examine your food issues. Could you do more to lose weight? Could you move a bit more and eat a bit less? Anyway, I am where I am and I plan to make the best of what I have left. And I intend to keep making sure that pre op people have a good think and post op people like me have someone they can talk to. Thanks to everyone who is supporting me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Early on in this thread I did empathise. However after now reading all the posts which I must say do come from a very narrow minded point of view I've seriously had my eyes opened. Seriously folks if you are planning bariatric surgery please don't pay heed to this viciously over exaggerated and very negative thread. I'm now five weeks in and although it can be a struggle at times, it's really life changing worth every once of hard work needed to gain success. Like this lady pre-op I suffered from many of the same illnesses fibromyalgia, crippling Arthritis, irritable bowel, lumber spondylosis, just to name a few. I took a large cocktail of drugs that the side effects from made me very ill and yes I was one was lyrica too. I was virtually housebound for a year. Since Xmas I've lost 3 stone. One and a half stone lost since the op Only five weeks ago. I no longer take any medication apart from paracetamols and lansoprazole which protects our stomach while it's healing. I no longer need crutches and am vitally pain free. I live in the UK and did extensive research on bariatric surgery prior to my op . I know the NHS offer an amazing comprehensive service for those lucky enough to live in a district that can fund bariatric surgery free in the UK. You get free pre counselling Good free pre op care Good post op care including medication and follow up diet all prescribed free. Free follow up appointments with your bariatric surgeon. A free post op support group And free care from a doctor if you need it. If you live in the right district her in the UK the Gastric Sleeve operation on the NHS will cost you nothing. I know people here on the UK who would jump at the chance to have this life saving and changing operation but their district has not got the funds to offer it. I hasten to add I could have gone through the NHS but chose to pay nearly £10000 for my op because I could afford it, I got the op performed within four weeks privately my decision because health was so bad and I was virtually housebound. I don't regret it at all. I now have use of private telephone support. But I also have access to a regular NHS support group where I meet people who support each other. ...................... I've just read about not knowing about the effects of bariatric surgery. This is impossible ! Everyone has a consultation with your surgeon before making the decision to have the operation . Everyone has a pre op consultation with a team of nurses. Before surgery everyone meets with their surgeon and anaesthetic consultant. Everyone has to read and sign a pre-op agreement outlining exactly what could go wrong during and after their operation. The surgeons have to be so careful. They need to know you understand all the risks. From all the frequent posts above full of drama you would think the care here on our NHS is non existent. This is not true! What worries me and many other people is a narrow minded point of view we are reading can scare monger and ruin other people's chances. I also find it extremely disturbing to read there was no understanding to what the operation entailed or what would be happening after the op. However someones pointed out a membership on this forum of ten years prior to surgery. A ten years membership here would make an expert of anyone! ...................... I've now read of another side effect from the operation is Clostridium difficile. This can be carried in the body and could be caught after any operation. Unfortunately it had to be another drama and turn into a further more serious complication. I've just read the support for this condition is also poor with no proper treatment and no doctor support. The NHS in the UK take this infection very seriously. Granted there is a massive shortage of doctors in the UK it can regularly take weeks to see one . However you can get phone call appointment and readily get nurse appointments. Also emergency appointments instantly if deemed necessary. I can't believe I've just read that while so critically ill with gastric sleeve problems and CDiff a house move have been planned actioned and is taking place... If things were so bad this would be Impossible! A house moved is deemed as one of the most stressful events we can have in our life. This can also effect our digestion and bowels. Let's look at... Clostridium difficile: What is the treatment for Clostridium difficile infection? The decision to treat C. difficile infection and on the type of treatment depends on the severity of the illness. No treatment is needed if you have no symptoms but are known to carry the germs (bacteria) in your gut. However, if symptoms develop, some of the treatments below may be needed. If you are not already in hospital, people who have mild infection can often be treated at home. However, if the infection is more severe, you will usually be admitted to hospital so that you can be treated and closely monitored. ...................... Pseudomembranous colitis signs and symptoms: Diarrhea that can be watery or even bloody. Abdominal cramps, pain or tenderness. Fever. Pus or mucus in your stool. Nausea. Dehydration. Pseudomembranous colitis self-management: To cope with the diarrhea and dehydration that can occur with pseudomembranous colitis, try to: Drink plenty of fluids. Water is best, but fluids with added sodium and potassium (electrolytes) also may be beneficial. Avoid beverages that are high in sugar or contain alcohol or caffeine, such as coffee, tea and colas, which can aggravate your symptoms. Choose soft, easy-to-digest foods. These include applesauce, bananas and rice. Avoid high-fiber foods, such as beans, nuts and vegetables. If you feel your symptoms are improving, slowly add high-fiber foods back to your diet. Eat several small meals, rather than a few large meals. Space the smaller meals throughout the day. Avoid irritating foods. Stay away from spicy, fatty or fried foods, and any other foods that cause you problems. ...................... If suffering this illness, it seems having the gastric sleeve which limits the intake of all the irritating types of foods that can make the current problem worse is really a very good thing! That is if following a gastric sleeve diet properly. That means reading all the paperwork and diet advice everyone undertaking this operation is given prior to leaving hospital. The gastric sleeve operation will help anyone recover faster. Doctors medication advice. Sensible foods, lots of liquids and don't forget your soluble or liquid vitamins ... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Whatever you say. Thank you for stopping by to highlight my difficulties with the NHS to raise awareness for other NHS bariatric patients! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Keep in mind I'm 2.5 years out and have been in maintenance for 1 year. I drink with meals. I don't follow the 30-minute rule. I've never consumed the recommended 64 ounces of water a day. On most days I'm lucky to down one 16-ounce bottle of water. Too much water sends me to the toilet every 15 minutes. I'm a snacker. My favorite snacks are peanuts, string cheese, turkey sausage, and fruit. Snacking is discouraged in the realm of bariatric surgery. I don't chew my food 20 times before swallowing.

Hi! Just wondering if a small amount of sugar-free peanut butter cups, if sufficiently mashed/pureed, would be ok in the puree stage. I know I can ask my bariatric dietitian, but I'm just wondering if anyone here has some insight. Pre-op, I have enjoyed both Quest brand and Reece's sugar-free. Reece's has less fat (8g per regular serving) than Quest (13g). I wouldn't have a full serving, at least not all at once. I just want to have something a little indulgent on Halloween, but I don't want to get sick.

I do all liquid vitamins from Wellese. I'm on Multi Vitamin, Iron, Vitamin B 12 and Calcium with Vitamin D. Absolutely Love them, beats eating chalk, I would gag on the Calcium Lozenges. From Bariatric Advantage, I couldn't do it anymore.

I think to some degree you can "cheat". I stuck to clear liquids until day 6 or 7 and then tried pureed and full liquids. I think in that case it's ok because although a thicker liquid...it is still a liquid. And I only skipped one or two days ahead. I would however...not eat any solid foods yet. None...atleast not until week 3 or 4...which is what my doctor states. And he's at a bariatric center of excellence. Also always take in small, tiny amounts and slowly to see how you're body will react..still eating solids is probably a big no-no right now.

I think it was very generous of you to make such a detailed list. I do want to mention that hair care isn't something that everyone will need, so for others please don't automatically assume you will have this expense. I have had no additional costs in this area, never took zinc or Biotin (as my doc had not told me it was necessary) and had virtually no hair loss. Maybe I shed a bit more than usual - but not much. And I've lost 110 lbs in about 7.5 months - currently at 145. I would think that would have made me a prime candidate for hair loss, and it didn't happen. Nothing wrong with prevention, but it's expensive and debatable as to whether it will help. If it helps you feel better you are doing something about it, and you have the finances... why not. Also, I initially spent a huge amount on all sorts of Bariatric Advantage Vitamins, just to find out after surgery I couldn't tolerate them. So, I take gummy vitamins from costco. Cheap, cheap, cheap. My Vitamin levels have all been fine so far - if farther out i have problems I will have to switch to a more "serious" vitamin. Also, my doc had me swallowing pills the night after my surgery - not crushed, regular sized pills. All my worry about needing liquids, needing chewables, crushing - unnecessary. Of course each doc has a different approach to that issue. In any case, my advice is that whatever you get pre-surgery, buy very limited quantities. And somehow when I first posted I missed that you just had your surgery! I hope it was a huge success! Congrats on a new you.

Bariatric advantage sells chewables that are actually not bad. Good variety of flavors.

In louisville. Had surgery 3/9 with Dr. Oldham at Baptist Bariatrics.

DE Area Bariatric Clothing Swap? Does anyone know if there is a clothing swap for our area ? It would be nice to have if there is an interest - I know I have stuff that I'd like to swap out. I hear it's better not to buy too many things in each size since you'll keep getting smaller Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just as a reminder, please put on your calendar the August meeting of the Bariatric Pal Local Support Group. The date is August 20, 2015 @ 5:30 PM in the Simpson Community Center (6 North Main Street Camden, DE This on the corner of North Main Street and Route 10) and we will meet there. Please fill free to invite anyone Pre- and Post-surgery or family member who is seeking weight loss support. Text me if you need more info 302-632-8111. Thanks, Doyle

The bariatric lifestyle class on the 30 the at 3:00pm??

The error word in the above posting should read" inspiring" because it is, to finally find such a bariatric home in this desert of disregard I in the past have encountered.

I am. I have bariatric multivitamin chewables I got from the vitamin shoppe but forget to take them sometimes. I think that's why I feel so exhausted when I dont take it.

Yep.. Everyone pain is different and docs close the incision differently also. I had glue, a drain that was removed on second day.. As said before it was the weirdest strangest feeling. I was lucky and had no issues and was up a couple hours after surgery. Never stopped going since! I've had several bariatric surgeries and only had bad gas in my shoulders on one of them. I've had 3 ten lb babies and laparoscopic surgery is a piece of cake in comparison

Congratulations on your new journey and welcome to Bariatric Pal. Seems like you have been rocking and rolling. I wish I only had 3months of nutritional visits..

Just to let you Bariatric Bullies know--when someone posts a question here it is because they truly don't know or want constructive criticism! Not to be laughed at or made fun of or be answered condisendingly! Some of us know more than others and that's why we are here! You are not supposed to be a BULLY about it! I for one have been talked down to and literally laughed at for my question about protein!! I was new an knew very little about it and thought I was safe to ask anything here! BOY WAS I WRONG!!! There a quite a few Bariatric Bullies here! Grow up and be an adult already! I wondered why children bully and now I see its adults as well! =

Drink water. I usually buy a bottle of water. Even though they only sell that nasty tap water Dasani. Sometimes I drink coffee. If you call ahead they will brew a pot for you so you don't have to wait when you get there. You might as well get used to making good choices with what is available to you, and not sneaking food into the movie theater. Nicer movie theaters have Brussel sprouts and other things that are bariatric friendly. Post-op life is easy if you understand nutrition and your nutritional needs. You can find something to eat/drink almost everywhere if you understand the basics.

I only had to get an EKG and then my cardiologist asked me if I could walk without being extremely out of breath. That was it and they sent that in to the Bariatric center as my cardiac clearance needed. I even have a slight heart arrhythmia I got diagnosed with last year but he still said I am clear and ready for surgery.

There is an AMAZING group of Bariatric Surgical Specialist in Louisiana & Mississippi. They are SURGICAL SPECIALIST OF LOUISIANA & MISSISSIPPI, & their # (985)234-3000 for the office I use, & they can direct you to your closest location. They have a very informational website, www.whyweight.com. The dr I use is Dr. Rachel Moore & she is top-notch! After 19 years in Medical Field, I've experienced, seen & witnessed it all. I floated from ER, all ICU Units, OR & Trauma, & I know all about physician credentials, what flags to look for, etc. so, in short, THIS GROUP IS IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN! Take a few minutes & go check out their website I listed. BEST OF LUCK & GOD's SPEED

I would go with the Bariatric Advantage! I think I'm going to stick to those post op! I never thought I would ever like frozen portioned meals like those and I like the variety too! I might try those again down the road for dinner!

I thought you all may want to see the infor below.. Insurance Company to Cover Newer Method of Bariatric Surgery by Kerri Seidler on April 21, 2010 ? Comments | Weight Loss Surgery Aetna, one of the nations largest health insurers, revised its policy on obesity surgery this month to include open and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy among its covered bariatric procedures. The sleeve gastrectomy procedure, often referred to as the gastric sleeve, is a newer method of bariatric surgery that is gaining in popularity as a treatment for morbid obesity. The gastric sleeve promotes weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach to help patients eat less and feel full faster. It appeals to many patients as it does not require a medical implant or need adjustments like laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and does not require cutting and rerouting the small intestine like the gastric bypass procedures. Prior to the policy change, Aetna considered the sleeve gastrectomy ?investigational? and did not cover the surgery. As of 4/9/2010, Aetna revised its Clinical Policy Bulletin for Obesity Surgery and stated that the ?sleeve gastrectomy is considered medically necessary when criteria are met.? The policy now reads: Aetna considers open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), open or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal switch (DS), or laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) medically necessary when the selection criteria listed below are met. Although the sleeve gastrectomy is included under bariatric procedures, coverage for obesity surgery is still dependent on benefit plan details and approval by Aetna. Aetna?s decision follows in the footsteps of United Healthcare, another healthcare giant, which began covering the procedure in October 2009. In response to the Aetna and United Healthcare change in policy, The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) issued a press release announcing its support. In the statement, John W. Baker, MD, FACS, President of ASMBS, said ?We are pleased that Aetna and United Healthcare now includes sleeve gastrectomy among its covered bariatric procedures?Sleeve gastrectomy has now reached that threshold where the data and our experience with the procedure supports its safe and effective use in people affected by the chronic disease of morbid obesity.? The ASMBS, which is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the world, is a non-profit group committed to educating medical professionals, patients, and the general public to the various effects, risks, and benefits of bariatric surgery. The decision of Aetna and United Healthcare to cover gastric sleeve will benefits patients who are morbidly obese and considering weight loss surgery. While weight loss surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, it should not be considered a ?one size fits all? approach. As the best surgical intervention for obesity can vary from patient to patient, insurers who cover a wider range of options will better allow surgeons to treat patients on a more personal basis.

Find a therapist you can talk to, and one that has experience dealing with bariatric patients. Talk to several before you decide. Here are some additional resources that might help: The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life after Bariatric Surgery * RECOMMENDED by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD Dr. Alexander discusses many of the difficulties a bariatric patient is likely to encounter and some realistic and practical strategies for dealing with them. Most people go into bariatric surgery full of motivation and hope, only to find day-to-day postoperative existence more stressful than they imagined. Here are the psychological tricks of the trade to help make your own journey a successful one. Exodus from Obesity: The Guide to Long-Term Success after Weight Loss Surgery * RECOMMENDED by Paula F. Peck, RN Paula Peck provides the information, encouragement and guidelines for maintaining long-term success after weight loss surgery. Ms. Peck has been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years and personally has experienced a weight loss of more than 175 pounds twice in her life: Once unsuccessfully from "white-knuckle" dieting, and once successfully from weight loss surgery 5 years ago. Ms. Peck interweaves intelligent discussion with humorous stories about herself and individuals that have faced diet after diet and ultimately chose the gastric bypass procedure. The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients by Colleen M. Cook Colleen Cook, a weight-loss surgery patient since 1995, has taken the real-world experiences of thousands of weight- loss surgery patients and condensed them into the principles you'll find in this book. These time and people tested principles are the results of years of research of long-term weight loss surgery patients. They work regardless of the particular type of weight-loss surgery you may have had. Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies by Marina S. Kurian, Barbara Thompson, Brian K. Davidson A guide to weight loss surgery – before, during, and after. This compassionate guide helps you determine whether you qualify and gives you the scoop on selecting the best center and surgical team, understanding today's different procedures, and achieving the best results. You also get tips on eating properly post-op and preparing appetizing meals, as well as easing back into your day-to-day life. Before and After: Living and Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach In addition to more than 100 recipes in this book, there are ideas to help a post-op cook stay on the path and adapt his/her own recipes. Includes tips for eating out and cooking during the holidays. There is an introduction to Protein, sugar, and carbohydrates for those who are post gastric bypass surgery, as well as a list of sources for special foods and ingredients. Eating Well After Weight Reduction Surgery by Patt Levine The author has created 125 recipes that contain no added sugar, are very low in fat, and get their carbohydrates almost exclusively from fruits and vegetables. Each recipe includes specific guidelines for preparation of the dish for every stage of the eating programs for Lap-Band, gastric bypass, and Duodenal Switch patients, as well as suggestions for sharing meals with those who have not gone through gastric surgery. Recipes for Life After Weight-Loss Surgery: Delicious Dishes for Nourishing the New You by Margaret Furtado, MS, RD, LD/N, and Lynette Schultz, Chef, LCRP, RT Margaret Furtado and Lynette Schultz have a combination of almost 40 years experience in clinical nutrition and the culinary arts. Together, they will help you navigate your way through the sometimes turbulent waters after your weight loss surgery, and will provide you with general clinical guidelines after your procedure, as well as helpful hints for easing your transition from surgery to your new, healthy lifestyle. With sections on home entertaining and eating-on-the-run. Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF): WLS Lifestyles Magazine: http://www.wlslifestyles.com American Society of Bariatric Surgeons: www.asbs.org