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I have fibromyalgia (officially diagnosed 12/22) and deal with pain daily. I'm not on any of the medications they have available and trying to learn my body, what it's capable of, and living with it. Has anyone had either the sleeve or bypass as well as fibromyalgia? How has the surgery affected your fibro symptoms? Thanks! Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have fibromyalgia (officially diagnosed 12/22) and deal with pain daily. I'm not on any of the medications they have available and trying to learn my body, what it's capable of, and living with it. Has anyone had either the sleeve or bypass as well as fibromyalgia? How has the surgery affected your fibro symptoms? Thanks! Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, not an expert. I did have bypass and am post menopausal, and have significant osteoarthritis. The pain is managed by continuous movement and the weight loss itself. I get steroid shots in the worst offenders, my knees. I would speak to your rheumatologist about pain management with shots as my mother and grandmother did. Vitamins are easy to keep up with if you just keep it a daily habit. The weight loss is slow (that could just be me) but my ability to move and keep moving has been so worth it! Rheumatoid arthritis is no joke and I had a friend loose sight in one eye because it traveled to her iris. Extra weight is one of many forms of inflation in the body. Working to control it has helped my severe asthma too. I kept weighing the odds and quality of life. My grandmother lost the weight and lived independently until 89. My mother didn’t change her lifestyle and died at 67 unable to do the things she enjoyed for the last seven years of her life. My decision was more clear cut. Only you know your delicate balance of pain tolerance and enjoyment of life, and how bad the arthritis can be. You probably have relatives that had RA. How did they get through life?

Gastric Sleeve recovery is very different from Gastric Bypass recovery, in my own experience and from what I have seen from others.

Cool thanks was a bypass btw feel fine 🙂

I had the sleeve 4 yrs ago and lost 50 pounds , but had severe Gerd which mimicked hunger pains. Literally starved myself down the 50 pounds. I started at 253 went down to 209 and I’m 5’3..4 yrs later 237 pounds had the gastric bypass revision 12/5/2022 now 212 pounds and not really losing as of yet been almost 2 weeks doing everything I’m supposed to do plus walking 2 miles 3-4 times a week and my surgeon says I prolly won’t loose much more cause it was a revision..super depressing.

I had the gastric sleeve 4 yrs ago. I developed real bad Gerd. My surgeon said to do the revision to the gastric bypass. I’m 6 weeks post op and down only 25 pounds and my surgeon says I probably won’t loose much more because it’s a revision. I’m devastated why didn’t they tell me before I did the revision. Has anyone lost significant weight after a revision?

they're both good surgeries and you'll find people on here who have been very successful with both (and also some not-so-successful with both - but that is usually due to bad habits sneaking back in - so you have to really watch that!) as others have said, both have their pros and cons. There are some health conditions that would make one or the other more appropriate for you, but barring that, it really comes down to personal preference. I went with the bypass because, like jeanniebug, I had GERD before I had surgery. There's a decent risk of that getting worse with the sleeve (although it's certainly not inevitable). Some people are willing to take that risk; I was not - so I went with bypass. I've been very happy with my bypass and would choose it again if I had to make the decision today.

It's all *very* personal... I chose the RnY gastric bypass for 2 main reasons: 1. I already had GERD and I knew that the sleeve could make it worse. 2. I wanted to have the fear of dumping to help keep me on track. I'm also T2 diabetic and the bypass seems to have a better resolution rate for that illness.

I had RnY gastric bypass on October 18, 2022. I was told that straws were allowed, as long as they didn't cause gas. So, I've been using straws since the day I came home. If you get the bariatric vitamins, then you'll only need to supplement some calcium. You can buy them separately, but if you do that then you're going to be taking a handful of pills, multiple times a day. And it's really not anymore expensive to just buy the bariatric ones. I got the chewables. The soups you can use are going to depend on your stage. If you're on clear liquids, then you won't be able to have cream soups. Once you're on full liquids, then you can have cream soups - you'll just need to strain them. I was allowed to shower the day after getting home - so on my second day post op. I packed an extra long phone charger (didn't need it), a heating pad (didn't need it), an abdominal binder (I didn't use it in the hospital, but I did use it for a couple of days after I got home), an old pair of slippers that I planned to just throw away (I did use them when walking the halls in the hospital) and a robe (I did use it when walking the halls in the hospital). Other than that, I just wore home the same clothes that I wore to the hospital. I knew that I was only going to be staying one night, so I didn't bring any toiletries. I did not have a drain placed, thanks be to God. I've heard those are unpleasant to have removed.

I am scheduled for bypass on Feb. 7th. Getting very excited but a little nervous!

It did. I lost 127 lbs. But I really could lose 100 more. Since I can't go back to revision, bypass, they arw suggesting medication. Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

Ah now that’s a complicated question & there is no definitive answer. There’ll be those who tell you sleeve is the best or bypass is the way to go, etc. The thing to remember is that was the surgery that was best for them. And yes there’ll be those who say they wished they’d chosen another surgery. There are some issues that can make one surgery a much better option over another. For example if you have pre existing reflux/gerd sleeve is not for you or you have a lot of weight to lose bypass may be a better choice. There are other pre existing conditions that may need to be taken into consideration too. As well as factors like your weight loss & gain history, lifestyle, eating style & preferences, etc. Best advice is to do lots of reading & gather information like this yourself & then have a long conversation with your surgeon & see what they recommend based on your medical status, general health & with consideration of the factors mentioned above & then make your decision. As for the long term effects of, I presume maintaining your weight, it really comes down to you. The changes you’re willing to make to your eating, how compliant you are in the long term with your new way of eating, the activity you choose to add to your lifestyle, etc. The surgery is a tool & it’s success depends on how you use it & the sustainability of the changes you make. My surgeon recommended a sleeve after going through everything with me & answering my questions. I was leaning that way anyway as I didn’t want as major a change as with bypass. My weight had only become a serious obese issue with menopause before that I bounced between a BMI of 23 healthy & 29 overweight). I had some existing food sensitivities. I dislike taking medications. Didn’t have any co morbidities - my general health was good. Was fairly controlled about a lot of my eating & was aware of food choices, portion sizes, etc. Didn’t want the increased possibility of dumping (already had random episodes of hypoglycaemia) or absorption issues (especially calcium & iron as a menopausal woman). And yes, it was the right choice for me & my situation & needs. I lost all my weight & more. I’m only 3.75yrs out but have pretty much maintained my weight except for a very fast 2kg (4lbs) gain after my gall was removed in June 2021 which reduced my absorption of protein (so made a dietary change) & we also recently discovered my HRT. I had lost about 0.5kg of the 2kgs over almost a year but since I went on a HRT patch 3 months ago I’ve lost a kg without trying (Damn hormones - or lack of in my case.) Will be interesting to see if the last 0.5kg goes too & I end up where I was at 49kg. That’s my story anyway. All the best whichever surgery you choose.

It took me 2-3 weeks to get to a point where I could sustain an adequate level of thought to muddle through working at home. It was a combination of getting to a point where pain wasn't completely disabling and the ability to consume enough calories consistently to keep my brain working. It was only about a week more before I could manage office attendance. A work acquaintance just had Gastric Bypass a couple months ago and was useless for work for 6 weeks which included a bad period of a couple weeks that had him back in the hospital for a couple days. Part of his problem was trying to work too hard too soon which compounded the other issues. If there's a lesson it's don't push too hard too soon. Good luck, Tek

I work from home full-time and will be having surgery on a Tuesday morning. How long should I plan to be off work?

there aren't many surgeons who are placing lapbands these days because there were so many complications with them. A lot of people have had them removed and have had the sleeve or bypass done instead. I suppose there are some still out there who might place a lapband, but it might be hard to find one who does. The lapband has largely been replaced by the sleeve as the non-RNY option. You might want to chat with a bariatric surgeon - let him/her know your concerns and see what they recommend. If the person you talk to doesn't work with lapbands anymore and that's what you really want, they may know of someone who still works with those. Or they may reassure you about your revision options. At any rate, it'd be good to talk to a specialist about all of this.

Hello everyone, today it has been 7 weeks since I got my surgery (was November 30th.) Since then I have lost 30 lbs. 54 lbs total from the pre surgery weight that I lost. My bmi was 42 now it is down to 32. Half way to my goal weight! Started at 241. Am now 187 goal weight 135!

I have been researching sleeve vs gastric bypass. I also take Methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis and was concerned about being able to continue taking it if I go with the bypass option. In my research I found that it’s possible to switch to the injectable form rather than the pill form (which I understand cannot be taken after bypass because it’s in the NSAIDs class). I did read also though that some say it can still be damaging since it still goes through the bloodstream. I’m also interested in hearing from anyone who has chosen the bypass option and how they manage their rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory arthriis.

Bypass or sleeve?

I had my bypass on 8/31/22 and I've lurked in this forum even before that, as I was getting ready. I just joined today to reply to this post. I hope you are feeling better today, LivBee! I had a lot of complications after my surgery, including a stricture that closed to the size of a pinhole, keeping me from even being able to swallow water at one point. I had to have two post-op dilations on 10/12 and 11/14. If I'd had to go back in for a third, they were going to put in a temporary stint, which they did not want to do. I was weak, dizzy, and malnourished for months after my surgery and yet I kept pushing myself to do things like I had the energy of someone else. I passed out in the shower once, and almost passed out on several other terrifying occasions away from my house. I had so much regret, but I kept saying, "I'd do this again. I'd do this again." The reason I kept saying that? I was losing the weight, I was coming off of the T2 diabetic medications, my insulin needs were becoming less and less (I've gone from 50 units of insulin a day pre-op to 20 units a day, currently, and no other maintenance meds). I've gone off of blood pressure medications completely. Now? I do have the energy I was pretending to have before. No dizzy spells. My pre-op clothes are comically large. I could chase your twins around no problem. And I do believe you will get there too! Every body is different and every healing process is different. Like you, I also had the misfortune of trying every diet and exercise program out there with limited success before gaining everything back - and like you, I was approved for surgery because of my comorbid conditions. We are going to be brand new, healthier versions of ourselves, with all the hard work and struggle that common society thinks WLS patients skip. You keep it up, mama. Keep pushing, keep thriving. Keep smiling. You've got this!

I'm not on those (or any, really) medications, but lots of us had bypass after menopause, me included. I have no problem taking pills - although like Alex said, there's a chance you may have to adjust your dosages after surgery. Have a conversation with your surgeon and rheumatologist about this (as Alex recommended). I've had no trouble maintaining my vitamin levels. You do have to really keep on top of your supplements, though, because the consequences of "slacking off" on taking them are greater with the bypass than they are with the sleeve.

It's understandable that you have concerns about the proposed revision of your gastric sleeve surgery, especially since you have additional medical conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and you are in menopause. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon and discuss your medical conditions, medications and concerns before undergoing the revision surgery. They will be able to provide you with information on the potential risks and benefits of the surgery in your specific case. Regarding the use of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and folic acid, it's important to note that these medications may need to be adjusted or discontinued before and after surgery. Your surgeon and rheumatologist will be able to provide guidance on how to manage these medications safely. As for the bypass after menopause, it's important to note that menopause may affect weight loss and maintenance differently for each person. Some people may experience weight gain during menopause and have difficulty losing it, while others may be able to maintain their weight loss or even continue to lose weight. It is also important to have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon and other healthcare providers to monitor your Vitamin levels, ensure that you're getting enough nutrients, and make any necessary adjustments to your diet or supplements.

I had the gastric sleeve in 2017 and lost around 69 pounds. Unfortunately, I have been unable to keep it off. As I lost my momentum during 2020 and haven't found it since. I currently have an hiatal hernia which is causing some reflux and swelling. My doctor has recommended a revision to the sleeve. I am currently taking methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and folic acid for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am also in menopause. I have some concerns regarding the proposed revision. Has anyone had a bypass and is also taking these medications? If so, do you still take pill form, or have you had to change? Additionally, has anyone had the bypass after menopause? If so, have you noticed any difficulty with maintaining vitamin levels? Very interested in learning if these conditions have impacted your bypass journey. Thank you

the last 20 lbs are a BEAR to get off. Soon after year 1, I was losing around 2 lb a month, even though I was working pretty hard at it. I don't know if any diet programs are going to any more successful at taking the last 20 lbs off quickly, because the fact is, you are likely eating A LOT fewer calories now than you were when you started. I've gained 10 lbs this year, and am working like a demon to get it off. But I'm losing a measly 1/2 lb or so a week (so same as when I was trying to get the last 20 lbs off after my bypass surgery). Reason being - back when I weighed over 300 lbs, it took 3000 (or maybe even more) calories to maintain that weight. Right now, at 160-ish lbs, it takes about 1600 calories to maintain my weight. To lose a lb a week, you have to cut 500 calories a day (or burn up 500 calories a day - which is A LOT of exercise!). To lose 2 lbs a week means cutting 1000 calories a day. That would put me at 1100 kcal/day if I wanted to lose 1/2 lb a week, and 600 kcal/day if I wanted to lose 2 lbs a week. Ah...not happening ( and also not healthy - the only people who should be eating 600 kcal/day should be under medical monitoring, like we were in the early weeks and months after WLS). On the flip side, when I was eating 3000 kcal a day at my highest weight, I could have easily found 1000 or even 1500 calories a day to cut and still been eating at a healthy level (I'm not saying it's easy - dieting never is - but at 3000 calories, it's very feasible to cut 1000 or 1500 calories - not so when you're only averaging (and maintaining on) 1600 cal/day). So by cutting 1000-1500 calories/day, that averages out to about 2-3 lbs a week. But again, cutting that many calories NOW would be impossible for me. long way of saying - it's hard to get those last few pounds off because there are only so many calories you can cut and still remain healthy. I've said this before, but back when I weighed over 300 lbs, I'd mentally roll my eyes at these barely overweight women at Weight Watchers meetings who'd moan and complain about how hard it was to lose 10 lbs. "Ha!", I would think, "try losing 200 lbs!". Now I totally get it... I'm not saying don't try. Your efforts WILL work. But your weekly losses will be in ounces now, not pounds.