What Are Some Things That Surprised You After Surgery?

[Beks18 7]

For everyone that answered, would you have the surgery again knowing everything you know now? I’ve officially scared the living crap out of myself by browsing Reddit threads and coming across some that are pretty much all about friends and loved ones dying from bypass complications or extremely malnourished people with a poor quality of life post-surgery. 😭

[~Niecy~ 15]

40 minutes ago, Beks18 said:

Geez, is the insomnia common? I haven’t really researched that part of it or come across it much.

Is the bathroom pain like intense abdominal cramping? Or are we talking about the actual exit point here? lol sorry for the tmi questions.

I don't know that I've seen insomnia as a common thing. For me, I think it was basically because I wasn't taking part in my regular routines at that point. As for the other question, exit point lol -- not fun.

Yes, I would 100% still have the surgery knowing everything that I do now. 2 months post op and I feel amazing, both physically and mentally. I've never had so much energy before. My weight loss since day of surgery is only 21 lbs, but my inches lost is a much better measurement imo. 4 inches off my waist in 2 months. My smart watch used to be on the 2nd hole and is now on the 5th. I'm in 3 different weekly exercise classes and actually ENJOY going, even when the sweat is dripping into my eyeballs. I can see a future for myself again, when there were several years that I was convinced I'd be dead by 40.

This whole process has turned my life around 180 degrees and it is the best thing that I have ever done for myself. 10/10 would recommend.

[Arabesque 7,467]

8 hours ago, Beks18 said:

For everyone that answered, would you have the surgery again knowing everything you know now? I’ve officially scared the living crap out of myself by browsing Reddit threads and coming across some that are pretty much all about friends and loved ones dying from bypass complications or extremely malnourished people with a poor quality of life post-surgery. 😭

Yes! Yes! 100% yes I would have the surgery again.

I personally know 4 people who’ve had surgery and know of several others who’ve had surgery (friends of friends, siblings of friends and relatives of in-laws). None of them have complications or have died. There have been a couple of people here who have had complications but they are few. The majority of people I’ve got to know through this forum are fine. And from what I can recall over the almost six years I’ve been here, their complications have been resolved through some sort of medical intervention.

Of course there would be some who’ve had surgery who have passed away or have serious complications. There have been a couple on My 600lb Life who passed away. But what pre existing complications did they have? Was their death or the complication a direct result of the surgery or because of the pre existing condition? Carrying excess weight alone would have shortened their lifespan and led to many complications regardless of the surgery. The risks of the surgery alone are very low. I recall reading they are less than a tonsillectomy or appendectomy yet no one questions those surgeries.

I wonder about those who share horror stories and what is the motivation behind spreading those stories. Are they jealous a friend or family had the surgery? Are they against a family member or friend having the surgery? Believe me people do react like this. There have been a number of people here sharing the negativity they they receive from people who supposedly love them & who at the best for them when they say they want to have the surgery or have had the surgery. I deliberately was selective in who I told for these very reasons.

If you want to know the true stories from people who’ve actually had surgery you’re in the right place here.

Also, I don’t believe insomnia is common. For many of us our sleeping improves. Before surgery I would average about 4 hours a night. I would often have nights where I didn’t sleep at all. Now I probably average 7.5 hours. I had 9 the other night and had a nap during the day. LOL! Many also throw away their CPAP machines because the quality of their sleep improves to such an extent they don’t need it with their weight loss.

Hey @niecy. I wonder if your poop isn’t soft enough. Are you meeting your fluid goals? Have you tried a stool softener to see if that eases the discomfort? Have you spoken to your surgeon or doctor? Maybe a colonoscopy to rule out any blockages, tears, etc. would be beneficial? It is possible to be constipated & yet still poop regularly which I discovered 18 months ago.
https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-be-constipated-and-still-poop

[SpartanMaker 951]

21 hours ago, Beks18 said:

For everyone that answered, would you have the surgery again knowing everything you know now? I’ve officially scared the living crap out of myself by browsing Reddit threads and coming across some that are pretty much all about friends and loved ones dying from bypass complications or extremely malnourished people with a poor quality of life post-surgery. 😭

10/10 would do again. I only wish I'd done it sooner.

While no surgery is risk free, the mortality rate for bariatric surgery is pretty similar to other major elective surgeries, with the overall mortality rate at this point being right around ~1 in 1000, The factors that increase risk the most are higher BMI, older age, being male, as well as having pulmonary hypertension, heart disease, or liver disease. Obviously the more of those you have, the higher the risk. If you are younger, female, only moderately obese, and don't have any major illnesses, the risks should be much lower.

It's also pretty well documented that the mortality rate from being obese is higher than the surgery, meaning the riskier thing to do is NOT have the surgery. I honestly feel like my bypass surgery probably saved my life. I felt at the time like I had one foot in the grave, but now feel so much better and healthier.

[NickelChip 1,332]

Yes, I would have the surgery again knowing what I do now. I would recommend it for everyone who has struggled with being significantly overweight despite commonsense lifestyle changes. Even with the most restrictive diets, I could never lose weight and keep it off for very long. This has been the only thing that has ever worked.

[Lilia_90 552]

On 2/13/2025 at 3:40 PM, NeonRaven8919 said:

The noises my gut makes! It's so loud! If I'm full, it's noisy. If I'm hungry, it's noisy!

This!! It is so embarrassing especially during meetings.

[~Niecy~ 15]

On 2/14/2025 at 9:38 PM, Arabesque said:

Yes! Yes! 100% yes I would have the surgery again.

I personally know 4 people who’ve had surgery and know of several others who’ve had surgery (friends of friends, siblings of friends and relatives of in-laws). None of them have complications or have died. There have been a couple of people here who have had complications but they are few. The majority of people I’ve got to know through this forum are fine. And from what I can recall over the almost six years I’ve been here, their complications have been resolved through some sort of medical intervention.

Of course there would be some who’ve had surgery who have passed away or have serious complications. There have been a couple on My 600lb Life who passed away. But what pre existing complications did they have? Was their death or the complication a direct result of the surgery or because of the pre existing condition? Carrying excess weight alone would have shortened their lifespan and led to many complications regardless of the surgery. The risks of the surgery alone are very low. I recall reading they are less than a tonsillectomy or appendectomy yet no one questions those surgeries.

I wonder about those who share horror stories and what is the motivation behind spreading those stories. Are they jealous a friend or family had the surgery? Are they against a family member or friend having the surgery? Believe me people do react like this. There have been a number of people here sharing the negativity they they receive from people who supposedly love them & who at the best for them when they say they want to have the surgery or have had the surgery. I deliberately was selective in who I told for these very reasons.

If you want to know the true stories from people who’ve actually had surgery you’re in the right place here.

Also, I don’t believe insomnia is common. For many of us our sleeping improves. Before surgery I would average about 4 hours a night. I would often have nights where I didn’t sleep at all. Now I probably average 7.5 hours. I had 9 the other night and had a nap during the day. LOL! Many also throw away their CPAP machines because the quality of their sleep improves to such an extent they don’t need it with their weight loss.

Hey @niecy. I wonder if your poop isn’t soft enough. Are you meeting your fluid goals? Have you tried a stool softener to see if that eases the discomfort? Have you spoken to your surgeon or doctor? Maybe a colonoscopy to rule out any blockages, tears, etc. would be beneficial? It is possible to be constipated & yet still poop regularly which I discovered 18 months ago.
https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-be-constipated-and-still-poop

Yeah I've talked to my dr and drink lots of Water. He's waiting to see if it improves by my 3rd month followup. It is improving slowly, thankfully!

[BabySpoons 620]

On 2/8/2025 at 10:00 AM, Beks18 said:

I’m curious to hear about things that surprised you after surgery

I never ever dreamed I would become a morning person. Not really sure why that is after Gastric Bypass surgery.

I've been a night owl my entire life. Stay up late and sleep late was preferable when not having to get up for a job. Always woke up tired even when I was at a healthy weight and sleeping normal hours. My entire family is the same way. I just attributed it to a circadian rhythm DNA kind of thing.

Now I wake up at 5/6 AM without an alarm clock. I feel totally rested and really enjoy my mornings. Go figure.🤔

[learn2cook 595]

Maybe I should make this a thread, but I recently got the flu. I had been under the impression that I would never be able to take any pain meds. The inflammation was so bad my doc suggested children ‘s medication. It worked. I took what a 60 lb kid would take in liquid form. I felt better and could sleep. I stopped ASAP. It was liquid Motrin and powdered Tylenol. I just kept switching back and forth like you do for sick kids. I was surprised there was anything I could take.

Also, I was surprised that regular osteoarthritis symptoms and mild asthma can be controlled through a high protein/low carb lifestyle. I stopped taking all shots and meds 3 years ago. (Not for asthma, that’s a different beast, but my baseline is back to where I was at 20. I’m 57 now.)

[BlondePatriotInCDA 536]

I agree with prior post: boney backside! I mean you know and hope you'll lose the weight, but to lose it so that your tailbone is prominent and it hurts to sit - I never expected that! I now have to sit on a temperpedic pillow and it still hurts! Plus the painful annoying extra butt skin that squishes and bunches fighting for where it can go as I sit - yuck!

Also, I didn't expect my xiphoid process to be so prominent, it wasn't this prominent when I was younger (20-30) and only 108lbs but boy does it stick out now.

Finally to answer your question on if I'd still have the surgery, YES! Despite all the new aches and pains I'd definitely do it again without pause.

[Mark1107 41]

After having both the gastric sleeve and now the Rouen y bypass, I regret not doing the bypass first. The sleeve sucks ass and the gerd almost killed me, seriously. I’m glad I lost the weight but for 5 years I hated food after the sleeve before the bypass. I hope I can enjoy food again since I had the bypass last weekend. 3 months of hell nasty Protein Shakes then hopefully I can enjoy food. I really miss it. Also I developed a bad painkiller regimen I’m trying to get off of. It really sucks.

[BabySpoons 620]

On 2/26/2025 at 11:19 PM, Mark1107 said:

I hope I can enjoy food again since I had the bypass last weekend.

I am almost 2 years out from RNY and haven't suffered one day of reflux since the surgery. I also had a Hiatal hernia that went undiagnosed for years before pre-op testing found it. Caused Gerd from hell along with the excess weight. Both problems resolved with surgery.

Also, the enjoyment of certain foods may take a bit. I still struggle with a few different textures. But for the most part I can tolerate most things quite well. I still have a good amount of restriction at this point too.

I wish you the best and hope the reflux has become a thing of the past for you.

[Debbiedorey@icloud.com 1]

I’ve been very lucky I didn’t even get gas pain like everybody else I have never been sick the only thing I can moan about is the Constipation and insomnia.
I would definitely tell myself to do it again. I’m just waiting for my first follow up appointment with surgeon and I need to speak to them because I haven’t lost anything in about 3 weeks and I’m now 7weeks post op. x

[Arabesque 7,467]

13 hours ago, Debbiedorey@icloud.com said:

I’ve been very lucky I didn’t even get gas pain like everybody else I have never been sick the only thing I can moan about is the Constipation and insomnia.
I would definitely tell myself to do it again. I’m just waiting for my first follow up appointment with surgeon and I need to speak to them because I haven’t lost anything in about 3 weeks and I’m now 7weeks post op. x

I didn’t get gas pain either. But my surgeon made up for it when he removed my gall 2 years later 😁.

Out of curiosity, are you peri menopausal or menopausal? That was when my sleep became really bad & it is a known side effect. If you are, are you on HRT or have had your hormonal levels checked lately? Just a thought.

About 4 weeks ago I bought a acupressure mat and since I began using it I’ve noticed I haven’t really had any issue with Constipation or even the odd day I don’t/can’t go. Regular as clockwork every day now. I did look up acupressure points for constipation and the mat hits the ones lower on my lower centre back and upper butt checks & I think that may be what’s helping. Hope I haven’t jinxed myself now. 😁

[NeonRaven8919 522]

On 2/14/2025 at 7:02 PM, Beks18 said:

For everyone that answered, would you have the surgery again knowing everything you know now? I’ve officially scared the living crap out of myself by browsing Reddit threads and coming across some that are pretty much all about friends and loved ones dying from bypass complications or extremely malnourished people with a poor quality of life post-surgery. 😭

Yes, in a heart beat. I wish I had been able to do it years ago. I'm 75 lbs down and couldn't have lost the weight any other way.