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Yup! I had hernia surgery after I had my Bypass and Bypass reversal. It was a standard hernia surgery.

Good morning! I have had gastric bypass and my surgery went well which was done 20 years ago. I have had health issues cone up as I get older but hopefully nothing to worry about. My brother had gastric bypass in October 2022 and he cant eat. He vomits are not even due to food but any gastric contents that he has in his stomach. He literally has not even a teaspoon of food but that still upsets his stomach. Drinking any liquids is as bad as trying to eat. He is pretty much skin and bones at this point. He has taken every over the counter medication and even prescriptions do not help. He has had medical test that show nothing and he has become desperate as to hos current condition. He was a vibrant man before and now he has become this sickly man that looks like an frail older man. Does anyone have any suggestions on how he can keep his food down or how to resolve this problem? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you and have a great day!

Hi all! I am 5 weeks out of bypass surgery and will turn 61 tomorrow. The healing process has been easier than I expected. I initially went in to get help with my hiatal hernia and severe acid reflux. Long story short, my surgeon told me that bypass would be the best answer for me. I was recently diagnosed as a diabetic and have high BP. Both of those are so much better that I am off my diabetes meds already and hoping my BP meds will be reduced soon. I go for a follow up with my dr. next week. I am hoping to get cleared to do more exercising than just walking. My sister-in-law wants me to join her doing some high intensity workouts with an online program she belongs to. She is very fit already (she is a kick ass police officer) so I have some catching up to do! I want to strengthen my arms, legs and abs to get ready for golf season. I am an avid golfer, not the best in our league but I only started a few years ago. Very competitive chick here! When I went for a group meeting (others going through the same surgery) with the nutritionist a couple weeks before surgery, I was by far the oldest one in the room which I was just fine with. Just wondering if there are any more of you out there in my age group that are also on this journey.

It's been a long while that I have been off this forum but thought I'd come back for support and information. Can anyone tell me if they had a hernia after bypass. What symptoms did you have & did it need to be removed?

Just a lil update I’m doing much better. I’m up and moving around. Tomorrow will be my 1 month recovery date from my original bypass surgery date. I’m taking in food pretty well. I only struggle with reheated food it seems my stomach won’t digest it. But other than that I’m good. How have you guys been?

No, I did not have gerd or reflux before the surgery. That's why I chose the sleeve. Less risks, no issues with extended release meds, no risks of stricture or dumping. Seemed like the right choice. Now...I wish I had done the bypass instead.

the majority of sleevers don't develop GERD, but about 30% do. Usually it's mild enough that it can be controlled medically (PPIs, usually), but in some cases it's so severe that the only option is revision. I don't know the percentage of those who have to get a revision, but it's probably pretty low - but still, yes, it's something to consider when trying to make a decision. some people with pre-op GERD are willing to take the risk, and often they luck out and it doesn't get any worse (and for some, it improves), but I wasn't willing to take the risk. I was afraid I'd be one of the unlucky ones, so I went with bypass. I love my bypass and am glad I made that decision. I think a lot of surgeons prefer doing VSG because it's an easier surgery (for them) and there are fewer potential complications with it (although honestly, not many people have complications with bypass, either), but they'll often suggest RNY to their patients who already struggle with GERD, because there's a change it could get worse. RNY will usually improve if not cure GERD. good luck with your decision - it's not an easy one. And remember that ultimately it's your body and your choice. My surgeon did say he'd do the VSG if I wanted it, but he wanted me to at least consider RNY since I had GERD. I'm glad I made the choice I did - but he would have done either one.

I had the sleeve and got REALLY bad gerd. It caused gastritis and esophagitis, so I was put on really high PPI for a long time, which caused pre-cancerous polyps and nodules through my stomach and duodenum. I'm in the middle of having them all removed before I can have my revision to the bypass. I have loved my sleeve, but if I knew then what I know now, I'd choose the bypass instead. This has been a true nightmare.

I was able to drink protein powders fine before my surgery, but afterward they make me want to vomit when I just put them in my mouth. So, getting my protein in has been hard. I definitely lean on greek yogurt a lot or suck on a tablespoon on peanut butter. Cottage cheese is a good choice for something savory. I can stomach these, as I can drink them in one go and it is easier: https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-25g-whey-protein-collagen-power-shots-cran-grape For when you are later in your journey and can eat more solid food: I have also found a protein granola from Aldi (https://www.aldi.us/en/products/breakfast-cereals/granola/detail/ps/p/millville-protein-granola-assorted-varieties-1/) that is delicious and doesn't make me sick, which I stir into my greek yogurt to give it some texture. I also eat nuts for a snack or babybel cheese, that I chew very well. I have had a DS, though, so I can eat higher fat food than a gastric bypass, so I don't know how helpful all of this advice is for you.

I had a similar experience. I have a client that I print material for and last year I was out for my surgery around the time she let me know what she needed printed. When I returned to work, I was talking with her about the order and mentioned the surgery I had. Turns out we both had gastric bypass. She gave me a few tips and reminded me that while it was rough in the beginning, it would get easier.

Hi everyone. I need some advice or encouragement… because I still don’t really see the light at the end of the tunnel 😕 I had surgery 33 days ago. I already posted before about my journey 2 weeks post op and how I couldn’t eat nor drink properly for weeks. I can gladly say that drinking has improved immensely and somehow eating as well. However things have shifted dramatically and I don’t know if I’m the only one. The cramping and pain that used to be located around my old stomach in the early days has somehow moved to my bowels now. Let me explain. Up to week 3 post op, every time I tried to eat or drink something I would instantly feel it in the new pouch like a heaviness or discomfort. That would then change into non stop gurgling, sometimes foaming. This feeling of wanting to burp but nothing comes out until hours later. I’d of course lose my appetite once again and lay down for the pain to go away. Now, we’ll into 4 weeks post op, that type of discomfort has almost disappeared (it’s still there) but the cramps and instant bowel movements and heavy diarrhoea is a daily issue. One sip of water in the morning results in a bowel movement. And it’s an uncomfortable one! I am also so so gassy and I cannot hold it in at all! The other day I was with my brother in my car and it just came out without a warning. I had to open the window because the smell is out of this world… Have you guys encountered this as well? TMI my poop is completely gray. I already spoke to my doctor about it and she said it was nothing to worry about for now.

I didn't have them with my bypass (they used surgical glue), but two of my plastic surgeries involved a few staples. I don't remember it hurting when they removed them.

Thanks so much for your detailed account and honesty. I really need to hear what it's going to be like and how I might be feeling. My bypass is scheduled for 3/29, so my thoughts are definitely getting more serious. Lol I wish you a complete and speedy recovery and that you move quickly to happier days. ❤️

Hi all, tomorrow I will be one week out from my bypass. My recovery has been a bit bumpy, I spent about 24 hours over the weekend puking (I don't know where it all came from!) and in pretty severe gas type pain. That calmed down, and know I'm just trying to increase clear fluids, and not worry about protein. It was scary and painful and I don't want to overdo it again! It's kinda weird thinking I've had virtual no calories for a week, but since I'm able to use the bathroom and everything seems normal there, I'm just going to press on and hope for more each day. Anyhow, my surgeon closes incisions with staples, and I'm scheduled to have them removed this week. While I'm looking forward to having them out because I think they are gross, I'm honestly super nervous! I've never had staples out. Could anyone share their experience or insight on what to expect?

hello! so i'm 2 weeks post gastric bypass at the moment and I've discovered that I cannot stand protein powders (tried multiple) so I'm panicking now because protein is going to be such a huge part of my life basically forever and I'm stuck on what to do, when I can start eating normally I love chicken so I can eat protein no problem but im 100% sure I'm not going to be getting enough and everyone uses protein shakes or drinks/yogurts and I just can't stand them I've been looking at protein supplements and you barely get 1 gram of protein per tablet so that's not viable like I was hoping unless I take 40 a day. I should of thought about the protein shake problem more but I was just concerned with 'get the surgery and get healthy' and now I'm left wondering what I'm supposed to do any advice would be greatly appreciated, im feeling like a grade A idiot at the moment sam

So I am 10 days post op from self pay Mexico sleeve— I stopped my HRT one week ahead of surgery, but am curious of what your teams have advised on restarting HRT (patches). I have a call into my doctor, but would like to hear your thoughts on it… Did you lower your dose when you lost weight? Start at the same dose prior to surgery? Etc? Any info appreciated related to the Hormone replacement patch. I had a hysterectomy in November 2022, and have been on HRT a year prior— still have ovaries but at 52 I doubt they are helping!

I went with bypass because I also had GERD before surgery. Not everyone has issues of their GERD getting worse after getting the sleeve, but I was afraid I'd be one of the unlucky ones whose did, and I wasn't willing to take that risk. But some people do take the risk, and for some it turns out OK. I'm pretty much on autopilot when it comes to taking vitamins. I take a small handful when I get up in the morning, and another small handful around dinner time. And my iron before I go to bed. I really don't even think about it much anymore. But yea, slacking off on vitamins has more consequences for bypassers than it does for sleevers, so it really is important to stay on top of them. taking tiny sips of water and eating microscopic pieces and portions is really just the first few weeks or months after surgery. I drink water at the same rate I always did, and I eat pretty normally now (except in smaller portions). If you swallow too big a piece of food, your stomach will let you know. I love my bypass and wish I would have had it years before I actually did. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

You have very good reasons for having the surgery & questions & doubts about progressing are common. It’s surgery. It changes your digestive system. There is a period of healing & recovery. To be successful for the long term, you will have to make changes to how, what & why you eat & your relationship with food. The months post surgery give you time to work through all of this & certainly therapy, as @SleeverSk suggested, can be very helpful. The surgery also gives you time to develop better eating habits & routines like being more mindful. Will you forget & take a too big sip or bite or eat too quickly? Yes it will happen but your body soon tells you & you’re usually extra careful after the experience. Often all you’ll experience is just discomfort but occasionally foamies or vomiting. Complications after surgery aren’t common and many are related to pre existing conditions or predispositions. The risks are lower for bariatric surgeries than many other common surgeries. I used to control almost all my reflux with dietary choices before surgery (no spicy, fatty or rich food, little carbonation & reduced caffeine) which is why I had sleeve. I still have reflux but it is different & I need meds every day which I didn’t before. I hate taking tablets & often forget. Multi vitamins always make me nauseous but my bloods are good & I don’t need to take them anymore though some sleevers still do. Just depends on your diet & absorption for us. But it is a necessity after bypass as malabsorption of calories (& therefore nutrients) is how it contributes to your weight loss. Dumping can occur with bypass (about 40% chance I think) but if you discover you have it it is simply a matter of avoiding fats or sugars as they are the usual culprits. Some even find they can eat small amounts as time passes. You can also have it with a sleeve but it is less common (30%??). The average weight loss with sleeve & bypass is about the same 65% +/- of the weight you have to lose to put you in a healthier weight range. Some lose more some lose less. Make a list of your questions to discuss with your surgeon. They’re best placed to answer them in relation to your specific needs, health status/issues & weight loss/gain history. All the best whichever surgery you have.

I know I'm writing this after you've had your surgery but I wanted to add my experience. After my bypass I had a lidocaine IV drip which is a medication similar to what's in the On-Q. I had very little pain after surgery. My mom just had a knee joint replacement surgery 3 days ago and has an On-Q device. She's only taken 4 small doses of any narcotic since the day of surgery. Sent from my SM-A135U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

March 1st marked 1 year since my revision due to damage caused by acid reflux. I lost an additional 30 pounds which was a big bonus and put me into the healthier weight range. The damage caused by the reflux to my esophagus has healed. Sent from my SM-A135U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok, first surgery does not equal permanent weight loss it is a tool that assists you to lose weight. Heartburn every now and then because of what you eat can be controlled by your diet and to have surgery to prevent that probably isn't necessary. My fear of getting the sleeve was reflux as I already was on meds for it but it has improved even with a sleeve. It gets niggley if I eat to much or the wrong foods and drinks. I chose the sleeve because I didn't want to be taking vitamins everyday as I never remember to take supplements and I just didn't want to have to. The only time I made myself sick was after scoffing down a cinnamon scroll it was painful for hours and I vomited but that is the only time. But you don't forget you have had surgery, you might try to push the boundaries but you don't forget and most times your body will remind you . Possible dumping is something you need to be aware of too with a bypass. If you are binge eating you would certainly benefit from some counselling and I certainly wouldn't go into surgery without it. Surgery gives some of us a huge wake up call on how much we relied on food for comfort etc which can lead to other issues with your mental health. It doesn't happen often but there have been a few posts where people have had surgery and just haven't coped mentally so you need to keep that in mind to. Talk to your surgeon and his or her team I am sure they will give you the information and assistance you need prior to surgery

Hi, I am 52, 6 feet tall and weigh around 315 (at my heaviest I was around 365). I am thinking about getting surgery because I am starting to feel the effects to my health. 2 Years ago I lost about 100 pounds by dieting and exercise and got down to about 264 (I will also admit that I had just gotten a divorce and was suffering through that at the same time, so that was probably a contributing factor to me losing weight at that time). Since then I have put on half of it and struggle with binge eating daily. I would like to get surgery as I would like to permanently lose weight and improve my overall health. I am thinking of bypass because I do have heartburn every now and again, but mainly when I eat badly. Things that I am concerned about : 1. Complications of bypass surgery. What if I forget that I had surgery and have a huge bite of a steak ? Does that happen ? Or a huge glass of water that I chug down ? 2. Taking vitamins every day, forever. I guess I am just really nervous about this but know that I need to do it. I have my first consultation on the 23rd of March. Is there any advise you can give me that will help me decide ? Thank you!

Are you working with your bariatric surgeon on this or your primary care family doctor? While this may well be unrelated to your WLS, a bariatric doctor will, of course, be more sensitive to issues specific to their specialty than a generalist. My thoughts, not as an MD but just from having been around the WLS world for a couple decades, is that if it is WLS related, then given the fairly rapid onset of this, I would be looking for some bloodloss somewhere. With an RNY, the likely place would be the stoma, as that is a delicate structure that is easily irritated - if the semi-common marginal ulcers occur, that is where they usually happen. It may not be particularly symptomatic, but some minor blood loss can occur unnoticed until something like this shows up - one of those simple fecal smear tests can show whether there is any blood in your stool. If there is, then an endoscopy can show where it's coming from, and if there isn't any, then you have eliminated one possibility. Iron supplements may or may not do much for an RNY person, as most of our mineral absorption occurs in the duodenum (part of the small intestine immediately downstream of the stomach) which gets bypassed along with the stomach; this is why iron infusions are not uncommon for malabsorbing WLS patients with iron problems. Were you on iron supplements to begin with and then increased the dosage, or just started when this problem showed up? I had an internal bleed a few years ago (non-WLS related, though certainly symptomatic) that sapped my iron levels, but not quite to the point of needing an infusion, and they came back after a few months of doubling my normal iron supplement (but I have a VSG, so not the same absorption problems as an RNY or DS will have,) and now I don't take any at all. For now. Good luck in getting this worked out....

Hi Fedup, good luck low iron sucks! I have very very heavy periods and with that have continuously low iron so will dump a load of generic advice I have researched over a couple fo years, sorry in advance (and obvs take doctors' advice first!) Firstly don't even bother trying/thinking about getting more in your diet, even iron-rich foods hardly have enough unless you eat liver or black pudding especially if you are already low. Supplement away. Secondly, it is possible you have an absorption issue, but as you have a sleeve (which unlike the bypass don't skip the first bit of the intestines) I think it's much more likely that it's just the small amount of food combined with what sounds to me like way too little supplementation and possibly safe but low levels pre-surgery (NOT a doctor). Things that help the absorption of iron: vitamin C, things that obstruct it, Calcium and caffeine. So when you supplement make sure it is not with caffeine or other supplements like calcium or magnesium, it should ideally be along with either fruit juice or a vitamin c pill or gummy. Multivitamins with iron combined often dont help as teh iron is just blocked. If your diet is anything like mine post-surgery... there was a lot of dairy! Also... im pretty sure i used to get most of my iron from chocolate, white bread and sugary cereal beofre surgery. I also paid privately in the Uk so might have a slightly different perspective to those from the USA above. They won't just do infusions here the way alot of people have been discussing above, they arent covered privately with the cost of surgery, and NHS will supplement first and you need to be ILL. I used Nuffield so your package may differ, but the surgery cost covered the dietician for that year, but not costs from them, so they can ask your GP to prescribe stuff but cant directly. Hopefully its all sorted now but in teh future I would not rely on them to get stuff actioned, get on the phone to the GP get an appointment and get them to prescribe you what the dietitian recommended. I just demanded a repeat long-term prescription of iron pills. As I say my deficiency is chronic (I prefer iron to birth control at the moment) but I have been on 305mg Ferrous Fumarate every other day for a couple of years, you can also ask for the more expensive ferrous compound if that gives you issues. Maybe try floradix if you can stomach it 🤢. But anything below 100mg or so a day just cant combat the deficiency. I would up my dosage, check when/the combination of supplements, and keep on chugging, iron deficiency is really normal and very fixable and not down to your diet.

Thanks for the very helpful comments. My doctor didn't mention ferritin but I will ask him about it. I'm also going to see whether an infusion would be an option. (Medicare for all in Australia, and it can be difficult to get approved for some treatments like that.). Meanwhile, he is running tests for possible explanations for my anemia, other than malabsorption due to gastric bypass.