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I totally agree, i think what you’re saying goes both ways... no one can say how prevalent it is or it isn’t... all we can do is state our experience like everyone else. I was just merely addressing the comment that if it’s common they’d here about it, not necessarily. I’m finding evidence all over the internet in scrientific studies in medical journals like JAMA that correspond to a more broader issue with these surgeries (including less than 10 years post op) and there is a lot of complications still present even with ‘modern’ advancements. im not saying it equates common, but it’s equating enough stir in medical communities like neurological journals that warrant studies that have been done. If it’s very uncommon and rare... these journals would not have enough data to publish in the medical journals I’m reading. I think it’s fair to say that if there’s enough complications to warrant different medical specialities (for ex. The neurology paper) to see enough repeated visits by post bariatric surgery patients to warrant investigations and studies than maybe it’s ok to breach the scary topic and ask more questions, seek more clarity and transparency for everyone’s sake. Medicine is a business. Even in a free healthcare state like Canada. And business is business. Like cobalt in hips and then that poisoning those eith these hip replacements, so the companies then coat the cobalt, yet it hasn’t solved all the issues even knowing there’s still issues. im not ok with not knowing everything I can previous to any surgery and because I fall within whatever numbers are declared as a minority percentage, not getting full disclosures, just because my life doesn’t matter as long as the majority is somewhat ok.... still not saying bariatric surgery is bad at all... I’m saying full disclosure is paramount, and it should not have to be sought after by the patient post surgery, it should be a streamlined process of knowledge snd medical care continuity. I find it interesting how people are really riled up at just the questions I put out there. Why does it cause so much intense feelings. Why are quite a few respondents so quickly defending a surgery when I’m not attacking individual choice but just stating my experience and seeking my own health solutions. are people scared? I’m not judging at all... I’m being curious yet people seem very defensive and fearful of my struggles.... instead of being curious, most people who have responded are defending something I’m not accusing but I am definately curious as I said about a possible relationship between my complex medical issues that did not exist prior to bariatric surgery and are now mounting. just a mom, a post bariatric surgery patient, seeking with curiosity any possible connections here, as I’ve sought in other areas, reasons that could explain this... it’s interesting that this forum seems to be the only one very upset with my curiosity about others who possibly might have had or are having similar complex medical issues. im just a mom seeking solutions to a complex medical mess to I can live my life well and live a long healthy life with my kids. I am not attacking bariatric surgery as it seems others having feelings that I am... I’m simply seeking others who may be able to shed some light on my own individual personal experience with complex health issues post surgery, that’s all.... just seeking answers so I can get better in every place I can think of, there’s no one else to help me do it... so here I am... but seems as though everyone doesn’t even want me to ask such questions... it creates too much fear... I get that... I’m afraid too... I’m in the middle of this.... alone and trying to put a complex puzzle together. I’m not attacking or saying it’s wrong yet people are responding as if that’s what I’m saying or insinuating. I’m here because all of my issues are post bariatric surgery snd I’m just asking a simple question; are there others on this forum experiencing complications like me, do they think or have they found out that it’s from their surgery or it’s complications or that is caused by something else, and how was it resolved, how did they become healthy again... maybe no one knows, maybe the question then becomes to others; why is my curiosity so threatening to even ask these questions here? Why is my curiosity not met with curiosity but with obvious fear in the act of defending a medical practice that I haven’t accused as the cause... just being curious if it might be.

I had mine March 2 and am still in the hospital, I had some complication but on the mend now. Still on the clear liquid diet. I am not on any pain meds, not having any pain except for gas.how hard was it to move to phase 2? I read one post that kind of scared me. I have a terrible taste in my mouth, anyone else have that issue?

I don't think people 5+ years out are likely to come back unless they're having issues, so it may look like problems are more widespread than they actually are. Most people seem to leave these types of sites after the first couple of years post-op. I'm not saying these complications don't happen - we all know they do - but I just question how widespread they are. You can't really base it on how many people post on sites like this, since they may not be a representative population. the other thing I want to say is that techniques have improved over the years. For example, "candy cane syndrome" happened to some people who had bypass surgery 10+ years ago. They changed the way they do the surgery so that that doesn't happen anymore. They also used to do a lot more bypasses as open surgeries, and those are more risky than laproscopically done surgeries.

Just want to add, that I was told there are very very few people on here who are post surgery by a lot of years. If all these complications there are now 4-5 responses to confirm their significant struggles. I think it’s important to note that I was told on this thread that its very rare for old timers like me to be on this site, there are an extreme few if any.... so I’m wondering why then there now several responses 4-5 of confirmation of known (by personal experience or through knowledge of someone else), severe complications? This to me says it’s not be as rare as at a glance assumed? Maybe there are more benefits to people and to the medical system to disclose these fewer side effects than state them outright? Maybe by discussion these sites can provide information not through the medical system but through experiences that provide a balance accumulation of data both of great benefits and possibly very difficult complications? It’s only personal experience, I’m not, nor do I think the others are saying this surgery is wrong, we want to share information, information never presented with not enough follow up (in my case) by a bariatric specialist who would know. 5 years follow up is not ok (Ontario) for so many reasons! it’s not meant to threaten or cause misinformation, as that would never be stated in the benefits discussion, it’s just experiences that people want to also share and connect through. yes getting my life back has been extraordinary! Yet maybe if more follow up, more discussion forums, more stat and data kept post 5 years here in Ontario, maybe just a lot more transparency would be not so threatening but empowering, no matter the choice or the outcomes any one personally makes. ? I think everyone should feel safe to speak of what they know or have studied, experienced, questions, and what they’ve heard in clinics and through loved ones, ... it’s up to each of us to look at everything, take what information we need to be empowered.

So glad you are doing so well! I know this post feels like a downer to most yet I think it’s a vital discussion so that all info is on the table to make a truly informed decision. I’m not saying all my conditions are caused by my bypass, but I’m saying all these seemingly unrelated type of complexities especially when following all regiment guidelines is a very vital discussion to have for those considering surgery and those who have had it. Information is power. I hope this thread balances information to provide a very clear picture of all incredible benefits and very scary possible or likely consequences even while following guidelines. It’s vital for informed consent knowing ahead of time. I know it would not have changed my decision (like you) to have the hope of my life back, yet if I had this info I would have been pushing much harder for bariatric specialists to be involved. Our governance g need to provide this coverage for a specialist (as they would any specialists for complicated surgery patients in Ontario!). This surgery radically changes everything for good and sometimes has complex complications only a bariatric dr. Would be privy to connecting some of the possible and connected health effects that lead all the way back to surgery snd weeding out causes that have zero to do with the surgery. I believe that access and info is vital for self empowerment and advocacy.

hi Changes4Life, I really appreciate your candid and kind result. Its awesome to have you post.... Im feeling much less alone in all this, Im so sorry you as well have been through so much and grateful your still ontrack and thankful for the life its afforded you, even though its been a very tough go at times! Im definitely happy I got my life back through the surgery, yet if the complications take my life that would be brutal now as a solo parent of two younger kids. I just read a neurology article that states most patients do best with nutritional supports given by injections and not orally. That a large percentage - up to 20% develop neurological disorders even when taking appropriate oral supplementation. This I didn't know about except that it would be prevented by oral supplementation... this article states this isn't so for 2 out of 10 patients. I also learned the neurological disorders are related to how much you loose and how fast, meaning the majority of issues come from loosing the weight in less than 1year. I was 450 pounds and at my lowest was down 293. I lost the weight extremely fast. Ive kept all but 25 off in almost 12 years. to add to my diagnosis list; They just discovered my colon in entirely air filled distended and dilated without air/fluid levels, thickening and no obstruction, meaning now bowel disease but its of unknown origin and significance so its being investigated. it can be related to neurological disorders and vagus nerve issues that eventually cause a paralyzed intestinal system. Im praying and hoping for the best outcome possible. Im just also putting all this out there in case any of the people on this site themselves with any similar struggles and if so may be able to help direct their drs to a 'possible' association with bariatric surgery post complications in order to receive help that's more targeted to correction in a more effective and efficient way than having years go by with a lot of I don't knows. I hope my post not only connects but also helps others in their after surgery care should odd seemingly unrelated symptoms arise and they don't know where to begin... I definitely had no idea any of this except depleted vitamins and minerals could be a play. im definitely not against surgery!!!!!!!!!!! just in my case I hope what drs have missed and if all these accumulated health struggles - not present pre-surgery so these possible and (rare?) complications of post bariatric surgery, as im now reading in literature, that this surgery does not end up shortening my life... if it does only because of a lack of awareness by patients/drs/and specialists, simply because it took to long to figure out the brain/body system complicated connections to the gut or in my case it wasn't fully disclosed or known at the time, I pray this information will help someone in the future who is also seeking answers to complicated health struggles. I've been actively seeking help since 2017, the symptoms have now become physically undeniable;e and hopefully I can be helped in time to continue onward with my beautiful life being present to be involved with my incredible children as they grow up. im thinking of you all and just pray that if someone finds themselves with mounting medical complexities this information will help you advocate for yourself and possible change in the medical systems to provide in my case, better post op care and immediate investigations with this many unexplainable medical complexities post surgery. im glad I had the surgery.... I just want much more time her to enjoy life. just aceesperate mom seeking help and community.

I'm 9 months out from VSG, saw the bariatric clinic follow up staff, and am so GRR now. I never had that "I'm never hungry" feeling once I recovered from the surgery but shrugged it off. I could drink 2 oz. fluids at once literally the day of surgery so I was like... OK, cool. Weight loss was slow despite being diet compliant and exercising, stopped at 25 pounds after 3 months, then gained 10 back after a foot injury (off again since getting back to my daily 5k jog). I've been having reflux for ages despite avoiding trigger foods/drinks and I get hiccups 20+ times a day regardless of how I'm eating, drinking, or not doing either. So they referred me back to the surgeon's office. Last week I had an upper GI study. The radiology report says I have mild decreased lower esophageal motility and mild outpouching at the fundus... um, I shouldn't HAVE a fundus after gastric sleeve. The weakened esophageal muscles explains the fluid that backs up when I drink sometimes, especially if not sitting straight up or standing, and the chest lock I feel when eating dryer foods or meats. I'm confused about the fundus. Is the radiologist mistaken and unfamiliar with VSG anatomy? Did the surgeon leave part of my fundus? The surgeon's office is awful at communicating so I'm in limbo. They didn't even call me before ordering the upper GI, they just had the radiology department call to schedule me without notice. All I can think about is where I go from here. Meds for the reflux and live with the hiccups? Revision surgery for the reflux and basically start over (the big GRR)? Anyone else have anything similar like a retained fundus, outpouching, or GERD with esophageal motility disorders like weakened muscles after VSG surgery?

Lots of good advice above. There are more than 300 000 people who are active/inactive members of this forum, from all over the world, who’ve had no complications. Sure some people do have complications but that happens with any surgery but very few considering the number who’ve had the surgery. Sometimes the complication arises as a result of a pre existing or undiagnosed issue. I’d also remind them that continuing to be obese is more dangerous than the surgery. It’s your health, your life. And I’m sure you made this decision after a lot of thinking, research & considered all the options available to you. Good luck with your surgery & with speaking with your family.

I was in line at work for a 1st/2nd shot that would have put dose #2 1 day before surgery and my surgeon suggested I schedule my shots so that #2 was at least a week post op. The reason being you want to be able to discern between the 2nd Covid vax fever/chills/headache from any surgical complications. Fortunately for me the medical facility I work in is large enough and has enough vaccine clinics that I was able to do mine 1 week before and 2 weeks after.

I think it really depends on you and the amount of fill in your band, but I had a hard time with certain meats, eggs, toasty breads, and fibrous fruits (oranges, pineapple, etc). Because of complications with the band, I had a revision last week to the sleeve.

if it's caused by a hernia you may be OK. They can usually fix those when they do the sleeve. actually, a lot of people worry that this is going to be really difficult (I did as well), but once you get used to it, it's not at all. complications are pretty rare, actually. The most common one with sleeve is GERD, but that happens to about 30% and can often be managed medically. So 70% of sleeve patients DON'T have it. although some people do have issues with diarrhea with sleeve (and bypass, too), constipation is WAY more common. You see diarrhea more with duodenal switch patients.

I'm pre-op and still not 100% about actually getting the surgery. This post might be a mess. 1.My dietician is saying because I am young (26) I should get the sleeve because there are less complications but I already have heartburn. I did a barium swallow and she says I don't have reflux but do have a small hernia. 2.Another is not eating and drinking at the same time is SO difficult. And I'm worried that I'll regain from it being able to do it. 3.My SO isn't too thrilled about it because he's worried about complications and that I won't be good at post-op lifestyle changes and that's a little discouraging. I'm hardly taking his opinion into consideration though. 4.And lastly, does anyone post-op have something similar to dumping? Diarrhea, runny stools, frequent bathroom trips etc? Sent from my SM-S515DL using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my surgery on Wednesday March 2, but not doing very well, I am still in the hospital. The day of surgery I had a hard time urinating. They kept taking bladder scans and found a problem. A blood clot and leaking from the staples. They took me back into surgery yesterday and were able to remove it, then they put clamps where the staple line was leaking blood. Yesterday had some pain, to days only pain is getting out or in bed or a chair. Hospital broth is the worse so I am sticking to sugarless jello. Surgeon has been doing this 11 years and has only experienced problems like this twice and both were in the last 6 months.thank goodness they put in a catheter while I was asleep yesterday because getting out of a bed or chair is very painful. now tonight I had problems with intravenous, as they are giving me liquids and all the other ones hurt so bad so they did an ultra sound to find a good vein, so now it is in my upper arm. with all these complications I keep questioning myself on why I did this. Good luck to everyone else, hope you don’t ave the problems I have experienced.

I had surgery on 3/1 and had a few complications but still got to go home after about 24 hours. I had a band to sleeve revision and my band had slipped and was doing some damage to my liver - so I have a lovely drain on my side for another few days. Thankfully very little nausea or pain. The worst has been the gas pain that is near the drain site - it is stabbing. Showering has been difficult but I still get up and (slowly) walk as much as I can. Staying hydrated too. Looking forward to getting the drain removed next week which I think will make me feel 1000% better.

I’m sorry you are going through this. I don’t have personal experience with this procedure but I have had complications with the procedures I did have and I know it is hard. You may want to see a bariatric surgeon to see if they can do some kind of revision procedure on you. what you describe sounds similar to a procedure that used to be done that’s called “vertical banded gastroplasty” and I know that many people who had problems with that surgery ended up having revisions. It sounds like this issue should be fixable. Hope you find answers soon.

How are you doing? Any complications since surgery? I have been able to get my liquids in easy. I have really just been drinking my protein. I am really over the soup and broth. I got light headed Sunday and checked BP and it was 61/42. Got back to normal in a couple of hours.

I had my sleeve in 2/28. I did well for the first month with no complications. This past Sunday I started having horrible pains in my abdomen to where I couldn’t stand up straight, very slow when walking, unable to turn on my side to sleep, and just unable to do normal things as usual. When I called into my doctor they said it could be muscle spasms. Has anyone else had this happen?

I’m so there with you. Although I loved the weight loss, I really struggled with my loose skin. Last summer I spent all the warm weather days in long sleeves because of my bat wings arms. I had plastic surgery last month, a tummy tuck, breast lift & augmentation, and arm lift. I’m looking forward to being far more comfortable this summer! However-now I’m getting fixated on my thighs. They don’t match the rest of me! They are saggy, baggy, and disproportionately chunky compared to the rest of my body. I’m scared of the thigh lift procedure-looking at before & after pics on Real Self it doesn’t seem to make a dramatic difference like other procedures, and I believe thigh lifts have the highest rate of post op complications. I’m trying hard to strengthen my legs hoping that I’ll see some improvement. In the mean time I’m working on acceptance of my current state.

I hate to even tell this but for folks thinking about backing out, I hate the pre op diet,Is it worth it? Will it work ...etc. I need to tell my story of the last 7 days. Surgery day(2/23) to me was like a blur. The worst part of the day and night was the gas and thirst.TAKE DRY MOUTH SPRAY TO THE HOSPITAL, THIS WAS A GAMECHANGER FOR ME!! I was able to burp the gas out almost 100% before I was discharged. I have not had ny trouble getting my liquids down and really just not had any pain to speak of. I didn't have a BM until a short while ago and that was painful. Like passing a couple of big rocks OUCH!! I took stool softenors, maybe I should have taken more. I went to the doctor yesterday to get some meds refilled. The last time I was there was 1/25/21, 5 weeks ago. I had lost 26 pounds! The nurse said are you losing weight? I said I don't know...am I? She gets all excited and then I told her I had WLS surgery last week.I will say I am fatigued, tired and not much energy. We have a nice gym nere at the condos and I want to go do some 10 # dumbells but too lazy right now. I will get some in today sometime. Do not be afraid to have this surgery. I also had a lap band removed the same day which complicated the surgery but still no pain and now no hunger. I honestly believe I can hit my goal weight in 6 months. 81 pounds in 6 months...if it comes faster or longer I am ok with that too. This has been a great ride so far and I have accepted the change in lifestyle. I have hated to have my picture made for years, you know the tricks, get in the back or between people so that only your head shows.. In a few months that story will change! Do not hesitate to have this surgery. It will change your life for the better!

Hello, one week out from vsg and having severe cold feet. Worried about the future and long term complications as I’m young M27. Starting weight 377 How is everyone doing. Any tips? I’m worried about regret.

This is what scares me about going to Mexico for surgery. It's not that I think complications are more likely there because I think they can happen anywhere. But the lack of access to follow-up care is a problem. I can tend to be a complex patient and I need to know that my surgeon is there to deal with issues that may come up. Going back to Mexico wouldn't be a feasible option in that case, so I'd be on my own, looking for a provider to help me. That's not a prospect I'm comfortable with. Oh, edit to add: I'm really sorry you're going through this, I wish you a complete recovery.

2 months of that does seem tough! Every surgeon is different and it's important to follow the recommendations of yours as they will be the ones doing the surgery and know what they need to be successful. But if the surgeons plans don't seem like something you can successfully do, I would say something. Is there a nutritionist in the clinic you could speak to to come up with a more realistic plan? I would hate for you to be discouraged from the start. For reference, my doctor told me I did not need to lose any weight before surgery. I was told to increase my protein intake and water intake but I was allowed to eat normally. I was put on a liquid only diet a week before my surgery, clear liquids the day before. I didn't have any complications. I'm 5'5 and my starting weight was 267.

Hi all! I am 18 months post gastric bypass. The experience has been great and I have not had any complications. My biggest issue is reactive hypoglycemia. When I eat too much sugar and/or carbs, my blood sugar tanks about an hour after. Does anyone else struggle with this? Any tips or tricks to better manage? I know it is completely diet related.

I was definitely not ready for camping 2-3 weeks out. I had no complications but I just didn't rebound as quickly as some folks. I was also unable to eat at all for the first two weeks and drinking was a struggle. That got better in week 3 for me. How fast you recover is very much a YMMV kind of thing. Can you defer the decision until you see how you feel?

Hey all! I am doing my pre-op tests right now, and all the appointments. I am really really scared that my current ventral hernia is going to make me not be able to have surgery or give complications. Any body else has a hernia that got the surgery and it was fine? Or vice versa. Anything, let me know!