19 days until "Revision" ...HELP?

[LadyStardust 5]

Hello ladies and gents, fellow bariatric patients,

I'm currently scheduled for a revision from the gastric sleeve to the gastric by-pass on July 26th. I was hoping there were some people on these forums who might have gone through similar experiences so they would be able to tell me what to expect.

Here's a background on my surgical journey...

I had the gastric sleeve done in 2013 with a preoperative weight of 276lbs (I am female, 5'5") and for the first three months everything went textbook well, healing-wise, weight loss wise- everything. Then, suddenly the weight loss trudged on very slowly and I began having issues digesting. Specifically, terrible GERD, stomach pain, vomiting, horrific Constipation, onsets of feeling extremely faint and heart palpitations. This continues on for the remainder of a year until my doctor (who claimed all of this was normal) ordered a barium swallow test.

The test showed slow gastric emptying and pyloric spasms which would explain the stomach pain and vomiting. We ordered two different endoscopies with two different doctors who concluded everything was otherwise normal. My surgeon encouraged me to simply exercise more and continue high Protein, high Fiber, low carbohydrate dieting- which I did.

Fast forward two frustrating years I ended up having a thirty three pound regain, from my lowest weight of 203lbs. I was vomiting at least 4-5 times a week and unable to handle most meats (especially beef), noodles and many "rich" or "thick" foods. I was forced to eat mainly carbs since it seemed to be the only thing I could keep down.

Today, I've since become a full blown vegetarian weighing around 212lbs and struggling to get my digestion and weight under control. I'm sick of having to go into the bathroom in a public restaurant in front of family and friends because I couldn't handle a dish. I have horrible heartburn, constipation and I vomit LESS (maybe once every week or so) but only because I avoid the foods that seem to trigger it. I have low self-confidence and feel like I've somehow failed to make myself healthier.

I have a new surgeon who suggested a revision, which he explained should improve upon my digestion and help me lose additional weight. He also preformed another endoscopy and found that the gastric sleeve did not shape correctly... I'm afraid this surgery. It is a new surgeon, a more invasive procedure, a deeply more "body altering" decision. All of these things leave me feeling rather anxious as what to expect. I don't want something to go wrong with this procedure too and I don't want to feel like I made the wrong decision... again. But I feel MISERABLE now. I know it cant go on this way...

Has anyone else been through similar symptoms before? Had a revision from sleeve to bypass? Have any advice?

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[James Marusek 5,244]

I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass surgery. The reason why I choose RNY was because I had severe acid reflux (GERD). The sleeve will only make this condition worse. After surgery I have not experienced any episodes of GERD.

After surgery, I found that it was difficult to consume hard foods such as meats. But I found out that if I used meat in Soups and chilis (soft foods), they went down easier. So I relied on this approach. This article will describe my experiences with RNY gastric bypass surgery and include many tips, including recipes. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

[LadyStardust 5]

In the end, I was talking into the sleeve over the bypass by my previous surgical team because it was "less invasive" and had less of a chance to cause Vitamin deficiencies. But at this point I regret not going with my instincts and the bypass. I used to love slow cooker recipes with meats, Beans and chili's but as for recently I haven't been able to digest them. I do love vegetable Soups, eggs, yogurt and fruit smoothies and try to put Protein powder in everything.

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[minx269 4]

I am currently starting the process of , hopefully, getting a revision from sleeve to bypass. I had my sleeve in 2012. At my heaviest i was 365#. I was down to 248# and my life turned upside down. My husband and i separated and I moved out of state. No excuses....i failed my sleeve. Self esteem took a heck of a shot, i stopped exercising, and also was eating carbs because it was one thing i could keep down. I am back at 300#. Like you....I would try to eat a variety of Proteins....and end up in the bathroom with my head in a bucket. I STILL have that issue at least 4 or 5 times a week. And now my GERD is getting worse....even with the prescription meds I take for it. The insurance i had wouldnt cover a bariatric Dr in my area....they wanted me to return to the state where i had the surgery.....but my divorce was final in may and I got new insurance that will allow me to see a bariatric Dr here.

One thing I am planning on doing differently is getting some therapy and having more support structure. I never addressed my food addiction....and being a chef, I obsess about food constantly.

Im new to this site....so I am also interested in seeing replies to your post....and hope YOU will post throughout your journey as well. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to hear more.

~Shell

[LadyStardust 5]

I'm no stranger to emotional stressors adding to the difficulties of this process. So, I can totally and completely relate. While I don't find myself an emotional eater I DO find it extremely difficult to get to the gym because of severe chronic pain, depression and other health related issues. So I'm an emotional... non-exerciser lol. I try to move around as much as I can and to attend physical therapy / yoga but it I sometimes feel as if it's not enough to boost my rather wilted metabolism. I also recently got a fitness monitor / watch so that's been fun and encouraging!

It's rather amazing you lost so much weight on the sleeve and I admire your "no excuses" attitude but definitely keep in mind that while exasperated GERD is normal, vomiting as often as we do at this point isn't. I feel as if I never lost as much weight as I could / should have on the sleeve which really leads me to believe my surgery did not go "normally." I wonder, with your symptoms, the same for you. Have self-compassion and confidence that we are not alone.

I'm glad your insurance details are getting worked out and that we can look for more support together. I'm also new to the site but I will definitely do my best to chronical my "adventures" with you all lol. I wish you well too! Moving out of state, divorcing and getting a second surgery? You are a very strong woman!

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[DSLdiversity 70]

Best wishes to each of you. @@Shell smile things will smooth out for ya!

DSLdiversity

[minx269 4]

Thanks to you both. But as I lay here reading these posts and listening to the news.....I am horrified and saddened over hearing about police officers being attacked in Dallas. Hard to worry about something like my weight when so many horrible things are going on in the world. ???? Rest easy my new friends.

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[DSLdiversity 70]

I'm in Houston and have 4 family members that are officers

[minx269 4]

I'm in Houston and have 4 family members that are officers

I hope they are all safe

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[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

I had a revision from sleeve to gastric bypass; the best decision I could have made. Weight maintenance seems to be much smoother with the GB and I am able to keep it off and have great restriction. If you have a great surgeon, don't worry, you will do great!

[LadyStardust 5]

I had a revision from sleeve to gastric bypass; the best decision I could have made. Weight maintenance seems to be much smoother with the GB and I am able to keep it off and have great restriction. If you have a great surgeon, don't worry, you will do great!

Thank you for your feedback and making me feel better about my decision! I can only hope my revision goes as smoothly!

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