Worst thing that isn't discussed much...

[Pedro Valle-Inclan 275]

Hi folks, this forum has been terrific for me and I'm sure for many others. I just so appreciate how thoughtfully and quickly people responded to my concerns, thank you all.

Well just a few hours ago the doctor's nurse called and the date is set, Wed February 10th 2016; it's suddenly very, very real! I'm very excited and pleased, but a bit nervous too.

They had turned me down a few months ago because I hadn't held up my end of things, I hadn't lost enough weight, had an A1C of 11.5 and too fatty a liver. Well I turned all that around and so now we're set. I do fear that my underlying mental illness, the Bipolar situation, that made me a fat guy and before that, a druggy guy, might derail this drastic lifestyle change, but I've never been so well-treated in my life in terms of therapy, recovery, friends, great job, meditation, exercise program, Trileptal, and all maintained for a good spell.

I'm 60, 6 feet tall, and 258lbs with crazy joint and back pain as well as all the comorbid elements, I had been 282 at my first appointment.

Anyway, though some might be loathe to talk about this topic, I'd very much like hear about the worst things about having the operation and the experience post-op that one doesn't hear too much about. Anything you could throw out there would be appreciated.

That and any suggestions for both before and after surgery that might make life easier would also be great. Thanks so much, Pedro

[Brewski's mama 4]

I technically had gastric bypass for severe gerd, but was overweight with a BMI of 38. I did not have as strict of a pre-op regimen as most bariatric programs do, because I was considered "medical" not "bariatric". I had one visit with a social worker to determine if I was emotionally stable to have this life changing surgery and to make sure I didn't have an underlying eating disorder/compulsion. I had two visits with a dietician before hand who showed me portion sizes and nutrition needs post-op. And lastly, had a two week diet consisting of Protein drinks and one small meal a day.

I was VERY unprepared for my recovery. I am young and relatively healthy, so I thought I would bounce right back. I was wrong! It took a good 4 weeks to get back to feeling good and having a decent amount of energy. I walk every day and follow the diet to a "T", I have not made poor diet choices once since surgery 6 weeks ago. I was also surprised how long the soreness lasted on my left side, again about 4 weeks. It wasn't bad enough to require pain medication, but I was uncomfortable. It was difficult to lay on my side and/or roll over in bed. I suggest having a bottle or two of liquid Tylenol on hand for when you come home, it helps!

I was also surprised that it is difficult to get 64oz of Water in a day. Some days it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day! I find it easier to drink a few smaller Water bottles per day (16oz) than it is to sip from a big 32oz one. It gets even more difficult once you transition to solid foods because of the 30-30-30 rule.

Lastly, I am bummed that I still have gerd. I feel like I have a lump in my throat for about 3 weeks now. My barium swallow was negative for a stricture and even with medication it still lingers. My surgeon told me that because my gerd was so severe for so long, that it will take a while to heal. I had the surgery to correct the gerd, the weight loss is just a perk. I have made this lifelong commitment to change my eating habits and still am suffering from reflux. I wasn't told this was even a possibility!

I am proud to say that I have lost 39% of my excess body weight since the day I met my surgeon and am down a total of 34lbs since I started my pre-op diet 8 1/2 weeks ago. It gets better every day. I have had good days and some very emotional days since surgery. Again, everyday it gets better. Yes, I miss certain foods and do get some cravings, but they pass. I have yet to dump or be intolerant to certain foods, but I haven't eaten anything that I shouldn't. I survived Thanksgiving, I ate turkey, roast beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and roasted sweet potatoes (small amounts but satisfying and filling).

I did not disclose to my family that I had gastric bypass (except to my husband, sister, and 2 girlfriends). They simply know I had a hiatal hernia repair and surgery for my gerd. No one noticed my tiny portions at dinner, but kept complimenting my slimmer figure!

I wish you the best of luck and my advice is to follow the dietary rules and guidelines, drink lots of fluids, and rest as much as you can, but walk daily, too. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful, Healthy New Year!

[momamia 1]

Your story sound like my situation. I had a band but had it removed to fix the gerd. That did not help and medication does nothing for me. I'm currently undergoing two test to determine how bad my hietial hernia is and was told my sphincter has weakened because of hernia and band. I will have two options to fix have acid reflux surgery which is bad or have a gastric bypass but not for weight loss to fix gerd. I'm not sure what's best. I don't want to go into having to suffer again with trying to being able to eat and being sick from eating. Lap band was not easy eating like getting stuck. I'm worried about the dumping and yet the acid reflux has complications of not being able to swallow or vomiting if your ill. So confused