Worried about getting a bypass :(

This is exactly my dilemma! Now im so confused about which surgery to get now that I need to consider GERD as a serious complication. Im leaning towards a VSG because of the fewer complications and the smaller change in my anatomy but I also dont want to suffer from reflux and need another surgery later. But even the bypass sounds too scary to me. I will be seeing a third surgeon this week to try and make up my mind :(

I had the LapBand when it was a newish surgery and everyone said it was going to be the future. And in a few years it turned out to be the most dangerous and awful surgery that existed... I was very very very very sick from the side effects of that surgery and it made my health 10000% worse (GERD was one of the symptoms and it was terrible!).

The VSG has had some good results, but as Julie mentioned--the complications from GERD are going every day and lots of people are getting revisions, now.

RNY has been the gold standard for weight loss surgery for decades! The complications are few and well documented--there are no surprises! Honestly, after my experience with the LapBand, you could not pay me a million dollars to do any surgery that hasn't had 60+ years of practice and evidence.

VSG is not really a "smaller change in your anatomy." The surgeon literally removes 75% of your stomach permanently. That's a pretty big change; at least the RNY can (technically) be reversed, unlike the VSG.

My daughter got her bypass at 18. She lost no hair a d was back in Miami for college. She got it done spring break and our bariatrician had someone in Miami if something went wrong. We're in the DC area

Thats so great to hear! I wish you two all the best and thank you for your answer!

Hi!

You are asking a lot of very good questions! Before I get into answering your questions, let me suggest that you attend a 'free' seminar about weight loss surgery. You can usually find them at a local hospital where the weight loss procedures are done. Many of the questions you are asking will be answered. In addition, you may decide that there might be another procedure that will better suit you.

Now, I understand all your concerns and you probably won't like my answer. Each and every person who has weight loss surgery has an individual journey. Some people might have thinning hair or lose much of it, while others have no issues. One thing that you can do, but will NOT guarantee anything, is to take a Biotin supplement (which is what I did).

As far as sagging skin, same answer. Everyone is different! However, you are young and your skin has more elasticity than an older person, which MIGHT help. If you begin to exercise now, before surgery, and continue throughout, again, it MIGHT help. NO guarantees here, either.

Let me address diet restrictions. Each and every program has their own food and drink requirements. For me, I was on a liquid diet for about a month PRIOR to surgery. Not only is it a good start to your weight loss, but it helps to shrink you liver. When your liver shrinks, it makes it easier for the surgeon to access the areas needed. This liquid diet consisted of 3-4 protein drinks a day, water, NO CAFFEINE, broth, sugar free jello and sugar free ice pops. THE END! I could NOT have anything else. It is difficult for the first week or so, but it does get easier. Again, your surgeon might have a different pre-surgical plan.

After surgery, I was still on a liquid diet for about a month. Same 'food.' It was a lot easier this time since I wasn't hungry. To keep up with your fluid intake, there are a couple of things you can do. There are apps on your phone that you can use to help remind you it's time to drink. Or, as I did, every 15 minutes I drank 1 oz. of water. Believe me, after surgery, this is difficult. Oh, did I mention you need to SIP VERY SLOWLY so you don't vomit? I cannot remember how long before I was able to have the protein drinks. But the protein drinks will take care of your protein needs.

For the first several months AFTER surgery, we do not worry about calories. We concern ourselves with protein and getting the right amount of liquid. That's a bonus, isn't it????

As far as lifetime restrictions, there are more 'rules' than restrictions. Slowly, but surely, you will be adding everything back into your diet, just in moderation. It isn't always too difficult, if you follow the plan. Don't forget, regardless of the procedure, you are NOT able to eat the way you used to. If you try to 'bypass' the plan, after a year, you will see your weight start to go up. The first year, is pretty much a no brainer. You eat but you lose.

Here are the 'rules' I had to follow. Again, yours might be different:

1. Take ALL your vitamins as directed!!!!!! If you have the by-pass, you do not absorb the vitamins from the food. If you have the sleeve, you do absorb, but not all of what you should.
2. Do NOT drink 30 minutes before or after you eat. Do NOT drink WHILE YOU EAT. This messes with the digestive process.
3. Speaking of drinking...NO drinks with bubbles, regardless if it is calorie free! Alcohol of any kind will react differently now. It will not take long to become drunk. I don't drink alcohol, but if I did, I would have had to wait 1 year.
4. Don't try to add anything to your plan until it is time.
5. If something does not agree with you, don't keep on eating it.
6. Don't OVEREAT. If you have the by-pass, you will get very sick and feel like you are going to die (sweats, vomiting, diarrhea, shakes, etc.). If you have the sleeve, you MIGHT have some of those symptoms, but you may become nauseous and have stomach pain.
7. Follow the 20 rule...chew each bit 20 times, put your fork down for 20 seconds while chewing, swallow, wait 20 seconds BEFORE YOU TAKE ANOTHER BITE, do NOT take more than 20 minutes to complete a meal.

Well, I guess I've given you a lot. Just remember what I said...EACH AND EVERY PERSON HAS A DIFFERENT JOURNEY, BUT WE ALL DO HAVE SOME SIMILAR ACCOUNTS OF WHAT HAPPENS!

Weight loss surgery IS NOT an easy way out, NOR is it a lazy person's way to lose weight! It is hard work for it to be successful! In the end, it is worth it all!!!!

Lastly, if you smoke, stop now!!! Many programs require you to be smoke free for an extended period of time before surgery. And do your research. Read, read, read! Continue to ask your questions. Join as many support groups as you can.

Good luck!!

Thank you so much, this was so helpful! Im having surgery in Egypt and sadly hospitals here do not give any seminars on bariatric surgery, so the only way to obtain info is through research and doctor consultations. Im still trying my best to figure out which procedure to opt for. How long has it been since your bypass? And aside from the usual manageable complications, did you experience anything more severe?

You are more than welcome!

I actually had the gastric sleeve, not the by-pass. I had the sleeve Oct. 21, 2016, almost 3 years ago.

I did not have anything severe happen to me as a result of the surgery. My recovery was normal.

If I can help you in any other way or answer any more questions, I'd be happy to.

Ronnie

Hi GRANDMAr,

Loved your post. I'm almost 6 weeks out, and I found a lot of useful tips that I can apply to my everyday life.

My journey hasn't been easy, but I feel better every day. I don't know if anyone goes through buyers remorse immediately after surgery, but I sure did. As each day passed, I started feeling better, which gave me more confidence that I could do this.

Thank you for your post, I printed it, and will refer to it constantly!

Congratulations for making the decision to have surgery. As I said, it was not an easy out.

Yes, I believe I also had buyers remorse. The pain was not bad and I was off pain meds within a couple of days. I missed food. After all, you don't get so large and let yourself develop all sorts of ailments unless you are a food addict. I am one and wanted to participate in what I loved, eating.

As time passed, my remorse went away and as I saw the progress, I was very happy. I don't know if you took any before pictures, but I took a picture of myself every week (on the same day of the week) to compare how I was doing. I'd try to wear the same clothes. It was amazing how quickly I could see the different. It was a big incentive.

Feel good and if I can help with anything, let me know!

Ronnie