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Did anyone have gastric bypass and at the same time fix a hiatal and umbilical hernia. I have been fighting like crazy to avoid surgery and I know in my heart this is the surgery that will probably be the best thing in the world for me. FEAR has led me to believe it will be me who gets a stricture or me who has gallstones or me who has nausea and vomiting everyday or any other random negative thing. I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder and this is probably the 3rd time I have been in a Weight Center and every time the topic of bariatric surgery comes up, I fly right out the door. I was told today I have a small hiatal hernia and I feel like I have been given the final sign that it's time for me to "Grow Up" and realize it's what is best for me to do and have the surgery. I developed high blood pressure and chocked it up to "ok a pill will help," developed being pre-diabetic and put on metformin which does a job on my stomach and said "ok, this will prevent me from being diabetic(full blown). Now after being in the ER Monday night for a kidney stone, I was shown on the CT-Scan, a small hiatal hernia along with an umbilical hernia I developed a year ago. Sorry for the novel but I am at my lowest point and I needed someone to tell me "you can do this and come out ok". I know recovery is a tough road and it will require everything I have to not scare myself to death but I truly don't want to live this way anymore. I'm from Boston and will be at Mass General with some of the best doctors in the world yet the fear doesn't leave me, I'm sorry to vent and write a novel but I needed to write down what I'm feeling

Hi! I’m from the NE, too. Albany, NY to be exact. You can do this! I will be having a hiatal hernia repaired with my bypass surgery, too. It is pretty common from what I hear. I have anxiety, too— and I’ve definitely have a few panic attacks over going through with this. But I’ve told myself that this is my best chance at a healthy, long life... You may get gallstones, you may get them even without the surgery. I had them years ago. They are uncomfortable, but not... end of the world bad. The gallbladder removal surgery is quite simple for most people. As someone who has been through the gallstone thing, it wasn’t as bad as some of the things I may experience if l don’t address my weight- so I wouldn’t let the possibility of it deter you. Best of luck to you and welcome!

I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass surgery. Prior to surgery I sweated profusely. Even when the temperatures approached 32 degrees F, I would drive around with the car window open. When I worked outdoors, I would come in and my shirt was totally soaked. After surgery, this condition went away. I no longer sweat profusely. But on the flip side, I do feel the cold, the chill in my bones. Thank God someone invented hand warmers for when I shovel snow in the wintertime.

Hello- I will TRY to make this short: I had vsg June 2016-I initially went from 229 to 160ish then got pregnant a year later. 3-4 months postpartum I was at 143 (I tend to loose weight during my pregnancies and loose after) but that only lasted a few months. Fast forward to today, I am at 185!!! I am only about 45 lbs from starting weight....that's scares me, I don't feel well physically...emotional, as I am back to carrying all of this weight around. I had an appt with my surgeon almost 2 months ago and I explained to her and the nurse that I am always hungry. I STILL focus on protein,....my diet is mainly protein but I also make sure I get my veggies in. I was referred to the nutritionist I saw before my surgery. I am puzzled by that because my issues are not what I eat, ive gathered the info I need prior to my surgery. Prior to surgery I had NO comorbidities. Now, I am on medication for blood pressure, and my recent blood test show that my cholesterol is high...first time ever....this is not how this experience was supposed to pan out. The point of my post is, I've done research and want to know if I would be a good candidate for a revision. The revision I am looking at is sleeve to Duodenal switch which I know was originally a part of the sleeve procedure. Just wondering for those of you who have had revision, how exactly did the conversation with your Dr start. Did you have to ask about it or did the Dr tell you it was an option? I have an appt coming up on 11/11. When i made the appt I asked if I could possibly have a scan to see if the size in my stomach have even changed. I was told most like they would not do a scan because YES the stomach does naturally increase in size about 2 yrs after vsg. Now what??

I had a gastric bypass on 1995. I lost 100 pounds . I kept the weight loss for 10 years, right know I am 50 pounds over and very scared to gain it all back. I am very interested to do the lap band, I want to ask to the mom in maine who performed her lap band surgery,or anybody who know a doctor in mass who perform lap band a operation after a gastric bypass, Thank you, Sara

So I have a bit of a complex issue. I had the Lapband put in 2009 and had great success. In 2015 I developed an antibiotic resistant port infection and had to have my band removed. I’m trying to get approved for the gastric sleeve but my insurance has denied saying I’m only allowed one surgery per lifetime. Has anyone ever successfully got them to approve it with peer to peer review. Trying to arm myself with as much info as possible.

Hello, I had a revision from Lap-band to Mini-bypass exactly 1 year ago. It wasn't the greatest success. I lost about 47 pounds but still have 33 to go. My doc and dietitian are both happy as they said this is average for revision, age etc. I am not happy at all. I have seen several people have success with the injection Saxenda. I was wondering if anyone had any drug help to lose the last of the weight. I still have a hefty amount to go and its not moving. Yes I have some hurdles incl Thyroid and some other issues but really, really want to progress further. I was never happy with the revision. I wish I had done RNY. I NEVER had the full button. I can eat any amount without issue which I was so disappointed in. Obviously, I really don't try and take advantage of this but have a very good appetite. Did anyone go this route with success?

I just wanted to write a review of my surgeon, Dr Bruce Applebaum, and post it, should another person like myself from El Paso come here for advice. Initially, I came to the Sierra Providence Obesity Clinic. They gathered my paperwork, I had a visit with their in house nutritionist, and with their in house shrink. There was like a 400 question test that I had to take and bubble in, it felt like the sats, I was nervous :thumbup: There are several surgeons associated with the Sierra Providence Obesity Clinic. Dr. Applebaums name jumped out at me because he had previously performed a hernia surgery on my stepfather. After all those requirements were met, I worked with the insurance coordinator, I was pushy, I wanted my surgery ASAP, I wanted to move quickly. So, I bugged, and pushed, and called the insurance company and the clinic 3 or 4 times a day. The staff was VERY patient with me, and I knew I was being a pain. Finally, (I say finally, like it was a long time, but it was only 3 weeks) I got my approval. The same day I was scheduled to see Dr. Applebaum. Throughout those 3 weeks, I carefully researched my surgeon, I checked online references, I reached out to other patients I had found online. I looked for complaints. I also was required to attend his information seminar. I was impressed with the way that he took his time to carefully understand and answer questions of the other patients at the seminar. He LISTENED, and that has not been my common experience with Doctors in El Paso. I asked my questions, he answered, I felt that he leaned toward preferring the Gastric Bypass, but I knew I wanted the band, and he didnt PUSH me, he explained complication rates, and how the band differed from the Bypass. When I initially met Dr. Applebaum, I got a sense that he was a perfectionist, that he didnt like failure, and that he was incredibly percise. In addition to that, he was very personable, he made me feel comfortable, all of these were good things. My surgery was scheduled QUICKLY. I saw Dr. Applebaum on Thursday, and was scheduled for surgery on Tuesday of the next week. It was sort of a shock, but he expressed having faith in ME. He was impressed with my knowledge of the band, and he appreciated that I had researched, and knew what I wanted. Surgery day came along, my mother came with me. It didnt help that she was more nervous than I was :eek:. She told Dr Applebaum that he had better keep me safe (I'm 26, but still very much my mothers baby) We went through all the hoops (am I the only one who hated the hospital socks with the treads?) Surgery went well, when I woke up, my port HURT. There were painkillers, and I got a few good snoring naps in afterwards, I was provided a private room with a shower and everything. It was nice, it was comfortable. Dr. Applebaum came to check on me, sat with me, explained the importance of following the eating guidelines one more time. Looked at all my medications to determine if I could continue taking them, or if they needed to be split up, gave me a perscription for liquid Lortab, and told me that I could go home that night IF I FELT COMFORTABLE. That was a big deal to me, he didnt try to rush me, it was about me feeling up to it and okay, and I did, so I went home. Subsequent visits to his office are always plesant. Sometimes, there is a wait, however, again, to me, he is worth the wait. My first fill was under floro, subsequent fills were done in office. His staff, his nurses, all of them are more than kind and put up with my cheesy jokes. There is no judgement in his office, its just the Doctor and his staff trying to help you. So, should anyone have any questions, please feel free to forward them to me, I would be more than happy to help =) -A

Hi there! I’m 38 years old in Central California. Married to my absolute best friend with the most awesome little dudes (ages 4 and 2). I’ve battled with my weight my entire life. No joke, my mom put me on my first diet in the 3rd grade, which likely set off the years of self hatred and body shaming. About 6 years ago I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia (via endoscopy), and as of late it’s really gotten significantly worse. I just had another endoscopy on Tuesday and I am awaiting results. Anyhow, since my gastroenterologist suggested I might consider bariatric surgery, as that’s the only way they will repair the hiatal hernia at my current weight (304.6)...it’s all I can think about and am doing as much research as I can. I also signed up for an online seminar at the bariatric office at my local hospital. They do three surgeries at the hospital, lap band, sleeve, and gastric bypass. I’m leaning toward the sleeve, but honestly I just don’t know which is the best option (I don’t want to do lap band, just because I’ve read that it’s not as effective at losing weight). Anyhow, can you tell me a little about your experiences with sleeve or bypass. I only know two people that have had bariatric surgery, and they both have glowing reviews... But I know it’s not all sunshine and lollipops for everyone. Thanks in advance!

I know what you mean. im still in the process im on month 3 . I have to see my doctor 7 times in 6 months and also try to lose weight. I keep researching gastric bypass and the Vitamin cost and I was wanting to go shopping but I have not even got my approval letter yet. has anyone been to Fernandez adolfo? I just wanna know what his process is for GB.

Hi! My name is Jackie, Im 24yo and I had a mini gastric bypass surgery 10 months ago!! I used to weight 160,200 kilos (around 320 pounds!) and I have already lost 67 kilos (around 135 pounds!)!!! Im doing great so far even tho I started eating a bit more (well a lot more!) the last couple of days! I stopped it cause I know I'm not really hungry, im just eating cause Im bored!! Havent been to the gym yet but Ill enrol next week!! I dont eat sugar or high fat products, crisps chocolates etc you know the rules!! My goal is 65 kilos (120 pounds?!) and my heigh is 1,78cm (5 10").

Though I have not had my revision to gastric bypass yet, I have been doing a fair amount of research into the procedure. Most importantly is to keep your medical team apprised of your current conditions. They are the best and most reliable source of how to cope with and manage the current issues you are experiencing. They have answers for you beyond what the forum may provide. I also know that we have a "honeymoon" post surgery, and we need to make the most progress with weight loss during that time. When you feel that you are not following your food plan, it is time to get in contact with your NUT also. I hope you feel better fast...

My revision was 12/29/12. I was banded in march 2007, lost 70 lbs. had a baby in late 2010, and the band never worked after delivery. Imaging was "normal". I tried to get it working again but when it became obvious that it just wasn't, I pursued revision. After surgery, my surgeon told my the band had somehow become unclasped and was just loose. I believe this happened when I was in labor. I asked him about scarring, and he said all band revisions have scarring, some more than others. Mine wasn't terrible because the original surgeon didn't sew my stomach over my band. Anyway, my sleeve is working, and other than post op nausea I have had no troubles so far. Very minimal post op pain, never even filled my rx for oxycodone. I spent 1 night in the hospital. My revision was all in one surgery. Hope this helps, good luck!

Trying to better understand the risks and complications associated with band/sleeve conversions. I understand from one doctor I spoke to that there's a greater risk with revisions. If you've had any complications, no matter how minor - or no complications, I'm looking to learn: how long did you have your band? did you have a lot of complications with your band previously - e.g. that's what would have led to lots of scaring, etc If you didn't have any excessive band complications, did your sleeve surgeon say you had a lot of scaring from the band? I think I"m just trying to get to whether or not there's a great chance of scaring if you've had your band longer (I've had mine for just over 5 years.

So, I started this whole journey in October 2016. I had just started a new job, whose insurance plan does not cover any weight loss plans, including surgery. So, I opted out and started calling around to different companies. I THOUGHT I found a plan that would cover it (the saleslady said it would!), but, I was duped. Fast forward 7 months, my parents agreed to pay (they are not wealthy people, so I know what the burden is). Now, here's the thing, I started with such a high BMI, that my surgeon refused to do the gastric bypass. He also advised that I probably would not find a surgeon who would. Instead, we decided to do the procedure in stages. So, I have a gastric sleeve, which I love. Now, I need to find an insurance plan to cover the bypass. My surgeon documented everything from the beginning to indicate that this was the plan all along, so that if I found a plan, they can't reject based on perceived failure of the initial operation. My question for you all is: Does anyone know of a plan in Ohio that will cover weight loss surgery?

Hello, I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO. They don't require supervised weight loss before approving surgery. I really want to go to the University of Chicago for a gastric bypass, but I've heard their nutritionist always requires some supervised weight loss before they'll sign off on the surgery. I'd like to avoid this because if that happens I may not qualify for surgery and I don't want to lose all that weight just to gain it back. Does anyone have any experience with U Chicago? Anyone ever get the surgery without supervised dieting beforehand?

Thiamine effects memory and concentration. I didn't have the bypass, but instead sleeved and had a huge B1 deficiency afterwards. Was put on prescription Thiamin for almost two months. Now I take an over the counter Thiamin suppliments every morning and my last bloodwork showed my B1 levels within normal range again. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

I'm here! Did my pre-op today & have been a busy bee. A little nervous & kinda confused? Dr. is worried that my reflux might get worse...He suggested the gastric bypass again!

I'm 41 married and father of 2 boys .. used to be athletic but stopped after graduated from Univ. and started career I started gaining weight each month .. bounced through diet sometimes but always maintained way up on scale .. studied for a year or more what to do and decided it's surgery my solution .. At first I decided wd my wife and a famous doctor here in Cairo the gastric bypass .. we made the pre op analysis and checkups All was clear and set the op last year's May 7th.. I'm from Alexandria it's 220 km far from Cairo so I drove my car early dawn reached hospital, parked front of entrance and never was able to open door and jump inside hospital .. I freezed!! Something told me Go back don't do it don know why?? So I turned to my wife who kept encouraging me all the way and to her eyes told her straight I'll not do this bypass surgery!! She started to cry I dropped inside hospital front desk to tell them I'm not doing it and asked them to inform Dr. as soon as they can. I returned back took my time to study All and gave myself one year to sort it out if not I'll return doing bypass again!! 3 months back I was in a mall in Cairo met a fellow that I don't know who stopped me and told me you are 180 kgs!!! He is normal size, not obese so he struck me telling me he was like me one year back!! Told me about Plication and how it turned his life way better and how he committed himself to advise everyone who was like him to do it. I got his Surgeon details in another city 180 km from us went there and met him and liked it All. Only problem it's away from my hometown not very comfortable I started to search in my hometown and found a v good surgeon a brother of one of my best colleagues in Faculty who made it frequently and got v good results and decided he's the one! Today I completed one month post op .. feeling gr8 .. eating good .. lost 20 KG (44 pounds) 10 days pre op + 1 month post op .. feeling more normal now .. small portions fill it in wd satisfaction and can stay long without craving if ever as before!! No craving no bad mood without eating nor drinking problem is it goes to Water as well so water intake at first dropped dramatically now begin to increase it so it's vital and so imp. Best of luck in yours did the right choice and you'll begin a new you a much better self confident You .. post op only 2 days of disorder and some mild to normal pain then way better ev day .. best luck and best wishes

Great to hear! I got my band out Feb 8, after having it for 6 years. My surgeon wants to wait 3 months to allow healing time before doing the bypass. My next meeting with him is May 5. Hoping to get surgery scheduled end of May!

I'm in the begining stage of the revision process with United Healthcare. Please keep me posted on your story. I'll be praying for you!!! I know how frustrating it can be, believe me!

Nobody has the right to be "mad" over your decision .... the dr "wanting " you to have the bypass versus a sleeve... keep one thing in mind this is YOUR choice and YOUR decision it's YOUR body and YOUR life .... make your own decision don't allow others to decide how YOUR life should be

Okay. So it’s been just over two weeks since my surgery (March 27th) but I worry about leaks inside. My outer incisions are healing nicely. But there is a pain under my ribs on my left side and right side(mainly on my left side). Almost like a cramp. It makes it difficult to stand without help, lay on my side, or even sit a certain way. I worry mainly because most of the pain was gone on the left side(it was mainly on my right side). And since Wednesday the pain in my left side under my ribs has started to come back. I keep getting told it’s gas. I’ve tried ice packs I even started taking my pain meds again(I have been able to go without it since the one week mark) I just feel like I’ve made so much progress on being able to get up myself, getting into bed by myself, going to the bathroom alone, and so on and now all of a sudden the pains coming back making it to where I need assistance again. Some times it disappears but most of the time it hurts. Is this normal? If so any tips on how to help the pain? And one more question how long till all of the pain went away for you? I guess I just feel lazy not being able to clean my house and hate having to depend on others just to do basic things like showering or standing. My Drs assistant said it can be up to 2 months before the pain is completely gone and I just feel like that’s wrong. I wasn’t cut open just laparoscopic gastric bypass. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED! Thank you in advance and bless you and I hope you are doing well on your weight loss journey!!

Morning everyone! Revised 5/27, feeling great, had post surgery visit yesterday - all is well, besides the hematoma - posted a topic the other day - but all is well .... surgeon isn't that concerned. Yesterday morning, I was woken up by this weird feeling in my chest, sat up fast and boom - acid vomit - light green bile looking. Didnt think anything of it till today --- same thing - this time I didn't vomit but the acid/bile or whatever it is - is horrendous. I thought, or I was hoping, that the revision would take care of this - and this is worse than before the surgery -- fluke? I'm on Prilosec, but normally that doesn't work for me, so the surgeon gave me Protonix yesterday, which I love... always worked, as did Nexium. What could it be? Could it be lack of food? should I maybe eat something before going to bed - even if protein shake? Thanks - hope all is well with everyone!!!

Has anyone had bypass surgery in this hospital? I'm eager to get it done. 57, 245, 5 9 . Been on every diet known to man up and down weight loss all my life. So frustrated with my managed care health care here. They couldn't care less about meeting my needs. Tired of the merry go round !!! Any information would be great!! Tom