Search the Community

It’s not unusual to feel weak & tired in the first couple of months. You’ve had surgery, altered your body & are on a restrictive, reduced calorie diet. While your dietician is right in advising you not to overeat, your surgeon would be concerned about the possible health impacts of rapid weight loss. How many calories are you consuming? It can be hard to get in a realistic amount that allows you to lose weight without stressing your body or leaving you open to health complications especially at the beginning when your appetite is very low & your restriction is in full force. Instead of pushing you to eat more, what about enriching what you are eating - quality vs quantity. Your dietician should recommend some options to enrich your diet or other food choices you could try. I struggle to maintain & I did not enjoy protein powders. So my dietician had me add milk powder to my rolled oats, which I already made on milk, every morning so I’d up my calories & protein. I found it too sweet so I add it to my chia pudding which I eat 4 times a week. If you can tolerate it, add extra protein powder to your smoothies or yoghurt. You can sip on the smoothie all day as it counts towards your fluid intake.

My surgeon is Dr Robin Blackstone at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix. Now I’m being told her schedule is full until next year! She’s the department head which is understandable. A few weeks ago I got a November 4th date for surgery before I knew I was even more complicated. She said they would do their best. I’m worried this may not happen with the political climate if it turns uglier in the bigger cities and we go on complete lockdown.

I’ve been waiting forever for surgery. Was supposed to go in May, then got put on hold because of COVID. Surgeon wanted a Motility study done by Gastrointerologist and I had that done end of June called their office and said it was completed but could never talk to scheduling. They were taking the easy cases during the summer I was complicated. By the way I live in Colorado and my surgeon is in Phoenix AZ! Our insurance is Banner Health and there are no “Tier 1” hospitals here! I did my seminar in September 2019! I get a call 2 weeks ago saying did you ever do you your Motility test? I was so mad because I called twice about it! They finally go the results. The head surgeon has to handle my case and I have a problem from surgery 2 years ago a surgery to repair a para-esophageal hernia where they did a Nissen. I do not have normal peristalsis- muscle movement to move my food and the sphincter at the bottom of esophagus doesn’t relax! So it’s called a Nutcracker Esophagus! She too my case before the GI conference Foregut to discuss it and they agreed that I’d be better off with the surgery and the issue should normalize. Has anyone had this condition prior to a Gastric Bypass surgery and how are you doing now?

In time yes and it is a lot of trial and error. If you take too big of a sip it feels like a mule kick to the sternum and very uncomfortable. I will sometimes take more, but then hold it in my mouth and swallow a little at a time. Everyone is a little different and once you are healed you can experiment with different amount. Please take it easy and just sip now so you don’t risk any complications to the healing.

Hey there WLS family, Back in 2017 I had a sleeve done and then a roux-n-y conversion due to severe acid I was dealing with due to the sleeve. Since then I’ve dealt with ulcers every single year since. No matter the medications I’m on they always come back and they have left me in the hospital from just a couple of weeks to even 3-4 months on feeding tubes, and hydromorphone for the pain. Last year was probably the scariest of all the years as my ulcer began bleeding and left me have to get a transfusion only a week after being discharged and told I didn’t have any more ulcers. Due to these ulcers, I’ve been on long term disability now for two years. I’ve been sober for almost two years, which includes no coffee as well just in case as they said alcohol and foods and drinks that are acidic can make matters worse. Alas nothing has helped. The bariatric doctors I have here in Canada remind me constantly that they are the best in Canada and that there’s not a single thing they can do and I’ll just have to live like this, for the rest of my life. The nurses constantly remind me that this isn't new and the amount of people that have complications is actually pretty high (at least in our area) and that they hate seeing people come in and be dismissed. Being only 27 it scares the **** out of me, the idea of being in pain and on a daily dose of ppis (prevacid), hydromorphone (dilaudid), and sulcralfate. I’ve always wanted to have children and carry one and now I feel like I’ll never be well enough to carry my own child. I’m writing this because something in me says maybe someone has dealt with these issues, maybe your doctors came up with a better plan that allows you to live a more fulfilling life. Maybe you’re on medications that are actually helping. After begging these doctors to send me for a second opinion as they told me there’s nothing they can do to help me, it ended up taking the second opinion doctor four months to get back to me. That phone call he made sure to remind me I already saw the best of the best, and that I shouldn’t expect him to find anything or this situation with him to be the panacea. All his words. I broke down on the phone call not expecting a doctor to tell me that since I already saw those doctors, who have missed things in the past, that he will likely be of no help to me whatsoever. It’s left me depressed and defeated. If you’re someone who has dealt with this in the severe case I have and you’re doing much better or you’ve been given drugs that actually work, had procedures that actually worked, anything, please reply on this or send me a personal message. I can’t live like this anymore. No one deserves to live like this and I won’t take their “‘there’s nothing more we can do for you” as the be all end all. By no means to scare anyone but complications do happen and they should also be considered upon choosing wls.

It’s perfectly acceptable to be scared and anxious as you are preparing for a really big surgery and life change. But if it’s any reassurance I’ve had the band, I had a lap band repair and 12 years later had the band removed and all of those surgeries went just fine. I’m having gastric bypass surgery next week and at times I get a bit anxious and that’s okay. It’s a big deal. But if you look at percentages you have a waaaaay bigger percentage of doing just fine than having a complication. Feelings are valid and okay, good or bad. But rest assured you are much more likely to be okay than not. Stop reading horror stories about surgeries that haven’t gone well and spend time thinking about what size spring clothes you are going to need. Go through a Romans catalog with your daughter and pick out fun outfits. Think about what life is going to be like in the months ahead...there is a lot of lovely new things that will be happening for you. 🥰

I know my doctors' main office is in Charlotte. I see Dr. Bauman, at his office in Concord. They have been so wonderful there. I hope things are going good for you. I guess I am most concerned about the first 4 to 6 wks. I think once I get thru those couple of wks I'll feel a little more at ease as fas as complications go. I am just nervous. You know what all we go thru to get to a surgery date, and then now that i am waiting on insurance approval...I'm nervous as can be.

I know. There is not a chance I can do this on my own. The surgeon is one of the most experienced in my country, so I should be in good hands. I also know that this anxiety come every time I have gone into hospital. Also when I was giving birth, I read stories online and was sure I would die giving birth. It actually ended up with a emergency c-section, will full anesteshia, they did not even have time to clean my belly before they cut to get my daugheter out! But we both survived! And I am still alive. So well, I just have to keep positive. Stop reading scary stories about complications online! And I am sure I will be fine!

Yesterday I was having a pretty hard day. I started to freak out. Filled with anxiety! Did not make it any better that I talked with someone I know that told me about all her complications. (Serious ones) Did go to the hospital today, had my EKG done, talked with the nurses and had my weigh in. Getting so close now, and so real. I seriously had second thoughts yesterday. And my daughter (she is 9 ) cried for two hours last night because she is worried about me being gone. Just broke my heart too. Hope I can get all the negative thoghts off my mind, and be calm and secure about this surgery. Please send me some positivity! I need it bad! 😢

I had my surgery on 10/27/20. Spent the night in the hospital and came home yesterday afternoon. Other that being stiff and sore there hasn't been much pain. Tylenol is plenty. They sent me home with oxycodone but I am super sensitive to narcotics and prefer not to take them unless it is "have to" situation. Many have caused vomiting and who has time for that kind of nonsense? Dr. Hu said my surgery went well with no complications. But let me tell you what, folks, post op nausea in NO JOKE. I never did throw up but lawd I wanted to so bad! They were rotating through 3 different anti-emetics plus I had a scopolamine patch behind my ear and the nausea wouldn't let up. Once they got that under control it's been so much better. They sent me home with Zofran and Reglan but I haven't needed them so far. It is surprising how long it takes to drink 4oz of liquid! And you have to be careful because you're going along, sip, sip, sip, and then BAM! You feel like you're going to vomit. Then about 15-20 minutes later you can resume...sip, sip, sip. I hope everyone is well. Sending all kinds of good vibes your way!

I can imagine having surgery postposed at the 11th hour is frustrating. But, it's certainly better that they caught this issue now than at some future moment that might have been problematic. Life has added a bunch of complications these days. We just need to remember that 2020 trying to screwing with everyone. We can't give up, we just have to keep moving forward. Nothing has changed about why you decided to do this. It's still a good decision. Don't let 2020 beat you. Good luck, Tek

I'm only a year and a half out from my surgery, but so far I have no complaints. I had a lot of post-op pain, but my surgeon was very responsive and upped my pain meds to keep it controlled. I had no significant complications, I healed quickly and I did lose most of my excess weight (115 pounds so far). The surgery really affected my appetite and cravings have not been an issue up until this point. I do eat and enjoy my food but my appetite is much less urgent than it was pre-surgery. I allow myself a small treat now and then (a small piece of cake, etc.) and then I get right back on plan. Interestingly, something about my relationship with food changed and now I don't derive comfort from "comfort food". It still tastes good, but that emotional hit is not there anymore. Which is a good thing for me. I hope that effect lasts forever, but I'm not counting on it. 😀

Lmao it felt so far away and yet everything happener so frigging fast! I am now one week post op! No complaints or complications so far, except liquids are getting on my nerves. I see my surgeon tomorrow for my postop followup appointment and I am excited to graduate to soft/mushy! I am craving every soft/mushy food under the sun! I was dismayed to experience hunger so soon, but it is satisfied quickly and it isn't constant. The water weight I gained from all the fluids they pumped into me in the hospital is almost gone, so I am super stoked to see what the future holds! Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

The pre-op diet is no joke, for sure, but it's getting us ready for the post-op period. Postop you won't be able to eat the croissant, or the two bites of pizza, without risking significant postop complications. What is helping me now is a cup of broth in the morning and afternoon. Today I doctored it up with a little worcestorshire sauce which made it taste better (for some reason things taste bitter to me and the protein drink leaves a taste in my mouth like the smell of burnt hair - YECH!!). I do look forward to my evening meal and got the okay today to substitute eggs for meat if I want. I'd been craving scrambled eggs for some reason. Another thing that helps is that someone who is further down the line than us told me to develop the mantra: "I can't have that now, but I will be able to have it later." When I want pizza or a taco, I think about that. I hope this helps you, too! Not much longer to wait! Sent from my SM-T710 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had Dr. Shillingford do my surgery. I hear that they have an amazing bariatric wing in the hospital they do their surgeries in. Unfortunately, due to Covid, I had mine outpatient with a nurse attendant at the Hampton Inn for one night. That being said, I have had no complications and I am not depressed because I have been out to dinner several time and as Gator says above, I can still eat, just not as much! I'm down 44 pounds in 3 months (7/30 was my surgery date) and feel great!

Not 3 years but as a Fellow Floridian wanted to help you Lost 177 in 8 months Complications: Really none a little heart burn and i get crabby at times when i can not drink Cravings - White Russians and I now eat what i crave but I eat differently, One thing you will realize is your taste buds will change and your tastes will change a little But you are on the right place for information

Hi guys.I am considering a gastric sIeeve surgery with Dr.Wisman or Dr.Shillingford in South FL.I want to hear from people 3 or more years post op about the amount of weight loss to date, complications, cravings,e.t.c.I will appreciate any output.Thanks

Sometimes pre-op diets are the hardest part of the process (especially if after you have no complications) My first WLS, no pre-op diet required but I did one for a few days because I was nervous. Second WLS it was required and I wanted to fight it every step of the way, asked my Surgeon a few times why was it needed for "me", 🤣 Basically told me I wasnt special, everyone is going on it - even "me". So I toughed it out and it was tough. Everyday. But if taken day by day, one angry shower scream session at a time. You can do it. Don't give up.

at a BMI of 51, it's unlikely you'll be able to lose most of your excess weight and keep it off. Nothing against you at all, but fewer than 5% of people are able to do that on their own. I spent literally decades gaining and losing the same 50-ish pounds - and I had over 200 to lose. No way in h*ll was I ever going to lose that on my own, if I couldn't even keep 50 off, despite my best efforts. Maybe you'll be one of the people who can - but the statistics are against you. It's tough to lose that much weight - even WITH weight loss surgery it's tough, and some people do fail because of that, but it's a powerful tool that'll greatly increase your chance of success. (I know that YOU probably know this, but it sounds like your husband doesn't...) at one time weight loss surgeries were very risky, but they're not anymore. They've come a long way. Mortality rate on gastric bypass is 0.3%, for sleeve it's even lower (I can't remember the stat on that one since I had the bypass). Major complications are also rare. I was scared of it for many years, too, but I finally came the conclusion that staying at over 300 lbs put me at greater risk than having the surgery. I am SO GLAD I did it and would do it again in a heartbeat! I just wish I hadn't waited so long to do it! It may help if your husband started doing research on the surgeries - or reading books such as "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies". Or maybe he could go with you to a consult. He's probably freaked because he doesn't know a lot about them. Hopefully armed with some good information, he'll start to come around!

I think each surgeon becomes comfortable with their procedure. It also appears from what I've read that some surgeons staple close to the bougie, some a little looser, and some do an overstitch over the staple line that tightens things. Research has shown that generally bougie sizes smaller than 32F have higher incidences of complications, and sizes larger than 42 have poorer weight loss outcomes, but really if your surgeon is experienced I would not really focus on bougie size. You can ask, but it's not the only factor contributing to success.

So I got my sleeve 3 days ago and fortunately no complications. However I have the WORST acid burn in my chest that literally flares up if I sip water to anything.... Is this normal and will it eventually disappear ? I never had acid burn before surgery Sent from my SM-G960F using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations. Do your research on all the surgical options. Understand each surgery, the positives and negatives, the post-op plans, and why each surgery is or is not for you. Do it again, this time pay special attention to horror stories. They could happen to you. What would you do if it happened to you? Make sure you understand your surgeon's plan. This plan is for the rest of your life, so you need to ask yourself: Is it sustainable. Be honest. Listen to your surgeon. LISTEN. Make sure you understand. You are your best advocate, so challenge the Doc. Ask questions about complication rates. Ask about the plan: Why this plan? Why this way? What are the underlying principles. This may sound like a lot, and it is. We're talking about a life changing decision. You won't have a problem hearing the good news. Focus on the bad news. Make sure you understand the bad news, and prepare for the bad news. Good luck. Tek

One of my greatest fears was this: Other than being overweight most of my life, I have been relatively healthy. I had never had surgery, never broken a bone, and never experienced a major medical event. However, being overweight has led to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and difficulty with physical activity. The decision to have WLS came with a bit of shame that my obesity was all my fault and completely in my control to fix and that I have failed miserably. So, I was afraid that I was going to permanently disfigure or mutilate my body, just to fix something that I caused. And, if I had a complication, that would be that much worse. I realize that that was wrong thinking... but it had a lot to do with why it took me so long to decide to do this. Now I'm headed in the right direction and have a lot of pressure to not let this opportunity go to waste.

I too went to see the surgeon convinced I wanted the sleeve and I was afraid of the bypass. The surgeon told me I would benefit more from the bypass. This is because I have diabetes and he said people have more success putting diabetes into "remission" (not having symptoms anymore) with the bypass. I also have a high BMI. On 11/10, I am having the bypass because if I can kick diabetes to the curb I will. I have many diabetes complications; nephropathy, a damaged retina, an amputated toe, etc. To get off insulin and live without diabetes is like a dream. I have been reading about people who have had the bypass and now I no longer fear it, I'm looking forward to it! If you have something like diabetes, I would take the doctor's advice. I've had it almost 20 years and it gets worse with age. I am more afraid to get older and older with my all health problems than of getting the bypass. Just my $.002, I wish you well with whatever decision you make.

The general industry practice is, assuming that there isn't any "1 WLS per lifetime" restrictions, is that for regain or inadequate weightloss problems, the same basic BMI rules apply (40 or above, or 35 with comorbidities). With a complication such as your GERD, however, it is no longer considered a "revision" as a surgery addressing the complication. The policy bulleting on WLS for your policy may or may not be that specific in this case, and you need to get a reading from the insurance company for you specific circumstance. Your surgeon's office should have an insurance coordinator on staff who handles all of this, as they know the language and the in's and out's of the system. Since it is how they (the doctor's office) get paid, it really is their job to do so. Perhaps there is another surgeon in your area who has a better business office? Assuming that the original surgery was covered by insurance, a complication such as this is usually covered as well.