So Many Questions

1) do you ever regret your decision? For even a day? If so why?

I have not regretted the surgery per se. I somewhat regret the fact that I got to the point in my life where I needed the surgery. Why could I never life a healthy life without it? But the reality is that I couldn't, so from that perspective, no - never regretted it.

2) would you recommend it to someone in there 20's? Or do you all think I could give some other options a try before?

Like others have said, it depends on the person. For me, no, I'm one of the few that doesn't regret not having it sooner (I had the surgery 2+ years ago at 42). I wasn't ready before then, and am not sure I would have been successful. I had a wonderful run of amazing food and alcohol. To some degree that helped me more easily adopt to a whole new way of eating. But if you'r ready in your twenties, you're ready. Go for it. Only you know.

3) when they say alcohol consumption should be basically non existent, have you all had bad experiences? If so what's the worse?

I rarely drink. I had not been a regular drinker in some time pre-op, and I only had a single drink during the first year post-op. I have a 1-2 beers or glasses of wine occasionally (once a month, if that). It hits me a lot harder now, but I don't know if that is due to surgery, or due to the fact that I weigh almost 200 pounds less! I don't experience the rapid sobering up others experience. My not drinking has a lot more to do with it not fitting into my focus on health and wellness as opposed to a direct connection to the surgery.

4) what are some things you can absolutely not eat post surgery? Either because your stomach can't handle it or because you were told not to? Can you eat fruit at all?

Ground meat does not go down well, although I no longer eat meat, so this isn't an issue. Always had issues with crab legs and lobster as well. And I get hypoglycemia if I eat more than about 8 grams of refined sugar at a time. I eat of ton of fruit every day. Certain fruits I have to be mindful of (fruits with skin (grapes, apples, pears) and things like oranges), but if I eat them slowly and chew extremely well I'm usually ok.

5) for people with years post op, what are some of the problems you now face?

I am a little over 2 years post-op and I've had an obstructed bowel requiring emergency surgery and a bleeding peptic ulcer requiring a endoscopy and colonoscopy. I see both of those as minor blips on the radar (although the obstructed bowel was an EXCEEDINGLY PAINFUL minor blip, LOL). Other than that, I feel great day to day.

6) please be as honest about your experience. Give me any information you wish you had know when you were considering doing this for the rest of your life.

I researched the crap out of this surgery, so there was little that was a surprise. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to have the surgery. It gave me the time I desperately needed to develop a new relationship with food and health. I actually love the way that I eat now, have no cravings, and wouldn't chose to eat any other way. It's been an iterative journey to get here, but the last 27 months have been nothing short of miraculous.

1) no regrets 2) I was in my 50's but think no matter what age, it depends on each individual's life challenges; I will never know but pretty sure pregnancies and motherhood would have contributed to less success 3) Alcohol has always been a nonissue for me but have witnessed how awful this transfer addiction alcohol can be 4) My sensitivity to sugar in fruit has waned but fruit is to be considered a seldom food choice, anyway---dense protein and vegetables are the top recommendations. Fortunately, poor food choices like pasta, rice, and bread sit uncomfortable in my pouch. Unfortunately, there is no food I find impossible. 5) I am over five years post-op; the number one problem is moderate regain 6) WLS provides a euphoric and effortless relief from obesity to start. I thought the pouch restriction would forever FORCE me to be more compliant thus probably explaining why medical staff repeated the words, "it's only a tool" so many times.

I know you specifically reference gastric bypass, but in case you want the perspective of someone with a gastric sleeve (2 years 1.5 months post-op, here goes):

1) do you ever regret your decision? For even a day? If so why? Not for a second.

2) would you recommend it to someone in there 20's? Or do you all think I could give some other options a try before? Same response as most everyone else - it depends on your maturity. My DD is 30 and not mature enough but will likely need WLS ultimately. I wish I had it in my 40's rather than at 61, after spending 4 decades of losing/gaining over and over again.

3) when they say alcohol consumption should be basically non existent, have you all had bad experiences? If so what's the worse? Again, a repeat. I have a glass or 2 of wine periodically and it really hits me hard. I stay cognizant of that and don't have it very often and limit myself. Alcoholism post-op is a real risk for some.

4) what are some things you can absolutely not eat post surgery? Either because your stomach can't handle it or because you were told not to? Can you eat fruit at all? I can eat anything, but just limited quantities of dense protein (meat, fish, eggs). I actually enjoy my meals more than pre-op because I don't overeat.

5) for people with years post op, what are some of the problems you now face? I am only a little over two years out. I am conscious that GERD is a risk, so I almost never take NSAIDS (took them once for a short time with doctors ok), and I am now looking at medications for osteoporosis which won't cause stomach issues (injections). I am 100% compliant with my vitamins. Even though the routine is a pain at first, you get used to it.

6) please be as honest about your experience. Give me any information you wish you had know when you were considering doing this for the rest of your life. Best thing I ever did for my health (and as a side note, my looks). Extra weight often doesn't cause health issues when you are young but eventually it does in the form of high BP, diabetes, joint issues, etc. I waffled a bit over VSG vs RNY, but in the end I am super happy with my VSG. I believe I would have also been happy with RNY.