Went in for Gastric Bypass, ended up with Gastric Sleeve! My Story...so far...

[MizzouMom 3]

Hi Everyone!

I'm a newbie here and here is my story....so far!

I started the Gastric Bypass process about two years ago. Started with the weight loss pills prescribed by my doctor, they didn't work. Finally got the referral to see a Bariatric Surgeon. We decided the GB surgery was ideal for me and I started the process. Six months of "Nutrition" classes, two psych evals, and three physical therapy appointments and I had passed everything with flying colors. I went in for my Pre-Op, my wonderful surgeon answered all my questions, and everything was submitted to insurance company for approval. Six days later, approval in hand and surgery scheduled for May 19! I was beyond elated. I was ready, mentally and physically.

May 19 arrives, I'm wheeled into the stark white and chilled operation room and BAM! lights out! I woke up in recovery and immediately started my lamaze breathing. OUCH! An hour and a half later, I'm still in recovery wondering why I'm not being moved into a room. The nurses are talking quietly away from me and no one is answering my questions. Thankfully, the nurse brought my son and best friend back and they explained the surgery did not happen. The only thing changed inside my abdomen is my appendix was removed. WHAT? I couldn't comprehend what was going on!

Apparently, I have rotated bowels. When I was in my mom's tummy, my bowels rotated as they came into my abdomen. My appendix, instead of being in lower, right quadrant.....is up in the center where my stomach should be. My intestines are on the right side instead of lower middle. This makes the GB surgery impossible as there isn't enough small intestine to reach all the way across my abdomen and attach where it's needed. The stretch would be too tight and I would end up leaking. Ack! She removed my appendix because if I ever had an appendicitis, it would burst before they found it!

Many tears later, I started researching the Gastric Sleeve. I met with my surgeon a week later and we agreed the Gastric Sleeve is my only option. She rarely does them (by choice) but she would do mine. I had to mourn my lost GB surgery and start preparing for something different.

June 17 is my new date! I had to shrink my liver prior to surgery (she had to use two retractors for GB surgery). I'm wheeled back into surgery room (again) and BAM! Lights out (Again)! I woke up, started lamaze breathing again and asked if surgery was successful. YES! It really, really happened!! I was released the following evening and home to my wonderful bed.

I had my follow up appointment today. I'm a little dehydrated as last two days have been rough ones. I found out I had a hiatal hernia repair as well. I'm having some pain when I drink and doc thinks it's from the hernia repair. I'm still on liquid diet for another week to let the hernia repair heal some more.

So far, so good!!! I'm down 11 pounds since surgery!

Sorry for so long.... The last months has been full of ups and down! On the scale and off!

[shahada 82]

Oh my gosh!! But yay for the happy ending!

[snowkitten 371]

Hi Everyone!

I'm a newbie here and here is my story....so far!

I started the Gastric Bypass process about two years ago. Started with the weight loss pills prescribed by my doctor, they didn't work. Finally got the referral to see a Bariatric Surgeon. We decided the GB surgery was ideal for me and I started the process. Six months of "Nutrition" classes, two psych evals, and three physical therapy appointments and I had passed everything with flying colors. I went in for my Pre-Op, my wonderful surgeon answered all my questions, and everything was submitted to insurance company for approval. Six days later, approval in hand and surgery scheduled for May 19! I was beyond elated. I was ready, mentally and physically.

May 19 arrives, I'm wheeled into the stark white and chilled operation room and BAM! lights out! I woke up in recovery and immediately started my lamaze breathing. OUCH! An hour and a half later, I'm still in recovery wondering why I'm not being moved into a room. The nurses are talking quietly away from me and no one is answering my questions. Thankfully, the nurse brought my son and best friend back and they explained the surgery did not happen. The only thing changed inside my abdomen is my appendix was removed. WHAT? I couldn't comprehend what was going on!

Apparently, I have rotated bowels. When I was in my mom's tummy, my bowels rotated as they came into my abdomen. My appendix, instead of being in lower, right quadrant.....is up in the center where my stomach should be. My intestines are on the right side instead of lower middle. This makes the GB surgery impossible as there isn't enough small intestine to reach all the way across my abdomen and attach where it's needed. The stretch would be too tight and I would end up leaking. Ack! She removed my appendix because if I ever had an appendicitis, it would burst before they found it!

Many tears later, I started researching the Gastric Sleeve. I met with my surgeon a week later and we agreed the Gastric Sleeve is my only option. She rarely does them (by choice) but she would do mine. I had to mourn my lost GB surgery and start preparing for something different.

June 17 is my new date! I had to shrink my liver prior to surgery (she had to use two retractors for GB surgery). I'm wheeled back into surgery room (again) and BAM! Lights out (Again)! I woke up, started lamaze breathing again and asked if surgery was successful. YES! It really, really happened!! I was released the following evening and home to my wonderful bed.

I had my follow up appointment today. I'm a little dehydrated as last two days have been rough ones. I found out I had a hiatal hernia repair as well. I'm having some pain when I drink and doc thinks it's from the hernia repair. I'm still on liquid diet for another week to let the hernia repair heal some more.

So far, so good!!! I'm down 11 pounds since surgery!

Sorry for so long.... The last months has been full of ups and down! On the scale and off!

Wow, that's crazy! I'm so glad you were able to get something done anyways. Congrats!!!

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

Most of us have hernias from what I read, including me and hubby. No big deal there. So sorry you had to endure all this, but I wish you Godspeed i a wonderful and fantastic recovery and weight loss!

[lylabelle 257]

Wow that is crazy! Do you have bag acids reflux? If not, then the sleeve is an awesome option :-)

[MizzouMom 3]

No, no Acid Reflux. The occasional heart burn but nothing out of the ordinary. Thank goodness!

[Monarch1966 4]

I have a dear friend who had bad breath all her life, couldnt figure out why. Never really pursued a reason. Was in the doctor's office for something else and guess what - her stomach is not where its supposed to be. It was very close to her throat near her left shoulder. She had 3 kids and several surgeries and no one ever caught it. That was the cause of the bad breath. I was stunned, but they put it back where its supposed to be and she is fine. You are only the second person I have heard of with this type of situation. So glad you are doing well. My husband had lap band - failed; GBS - did really well; but I didnt want everything rerouted so I chose the sleeve. So happy you are doing well!

[mariavg 154]

Wow! Sorry you had to go thru that but congrats on the weight loss! I had the sleeve done 6 months ago and today I had my appointment for my 6 months checkup and as of today I'm down 85 pds. It's an amazing tool! Good luck in your journey and God bless. The first 3 weeks are the hardest and every day after it gets better!!!