New to bypass from sleeve

Yep, that's right.  All fixed now.  It was a largish opening connecting to the bowel so food was travelling through too quickly.  That has been revised and the minimiser band added on for good measure - this should hopefully be my last WLS!!

Salmon was a fail for now - next lol

Good luck on the salmon. lol

OK So if I treat the reflux then hopefully I won't have any problems with the band. Phew.  Was a little worried about that.  I have been on PPI's since my gall bladder removal in the 90's so not worried about taking them lol

Garfield if I remember rightly you had a lot of complications didn't you?  Is the small opening from the complications?

Guaranteed to keep me on the straight and narrow if it involved vomiting. Hate that with a passion!!!  ^ months of constant vomiting with my first child was enough for a lifetime lol

Hey, it's me that the minimiser band that can be tight, but have worked out it's reflux.  If I do not take my reflux tablet every day then it feels like the band/ring is tightening up (probably due to swelling).  Great way to lose weight super fast but the pain plus the constant throwing is just not worth it!

I've had it checked by my Doctor and it's not keeping me awake at night and is controllable by over the counter meds.

I was very hesitant on getting it after my previous experience with the lapband, but it's different.  Lapband I was constantly starving and having fillers.

I don't have a wide opening so have to chew the food very well and only take small bites.  Some foods just don't go down at all like ham or sometimes chicken.  It has to be slow cooked and falling apart.  Even eggs have to be quite runny, so I add extra milk and cheese so it doesn't dry out quickly.  I'm going to try salmon tomorrow - wish me luck!

Suzy that was the first thing that I asked about and he said it is not tight. In fact it is supposed to be loose so it can move up and down easily. I will see if I can find this other thread tho

There is another thread talking about the fixed ring but I can't remember I what it was. It's pretty new and I've heard of several now having it done in the past two months but I'm also hearing they are having to come back out again as causing discomfort and traditional band like symptoms. Just something to be wary of Liz before you go for that. Good luck. Am sure we will talk more on Fb

Xx

crafty05 wrote:

HI all,

My Dr, Dr Talbot, would not even consider a sleeve, after examining my band. He said either keep the band and learn to work with it, or have bypass. I had to wait 3 months after the band was removed but I know I made the right decision.

Dr Talbot also added a ring to the bypass, which will make the weight loss more long term he says.

He said that he would prefer not sleeving banders, if the band didn't work the sleeve wouldn't either.. so maybe he may be right for some people anyway

Best wishes to all on your journeys some of you have had a hard ride so far. but it has to get easier. Remember - when you wake up on this side of the dirt, it has to be a good day!

LOL  

I am being revised to a RNY bypass as well and my surgeon also adds a ring at the top of the stomach. Was telling me about the research behind it but basically it helps to eliminate over eating and stretching of the pouch.

Hi FBS

Happy to help, answer questions and support anytime - this site and the friends I have made through here will last a long time.

Good luck on your journey

G

glenmaree wrote:

Hi FBS

Seems so wrong to call someone by your user name - sorry for the abbreviation.  The reason that Suzy and I have shared our journey's is so that people  can understand the risks and hopefully it helps others to make informed choices.  All surgeries carry risks and bariatric surgery is no different.  People are told by surgeons and most if not all just put  the risks aside because the benefits outweigh the risk.  It is not until you are caught up in the complication journey that you begin to realise and understand the life changing decisions that you make when you sign the consent form.  The fact that most  people are morbidly obese raises the risk of complications.

For me the bypass was a no brainer as my quality of life with a failed sleeve was dreadful.  Suzy 77 would probably say the same and the surgery she just has undergone was far more risky than the bypass.  In terms of success and experience, I think the results are mixed and the actual long term outcome is still to be worked out.

When I look back on my life pre sleeve, I was heading into an early grave with all the co-morbid health conditions.  That risk is now gone however I continue to have health issues and probably will do so for ever.  Would I swap those health issues for the early check out, no I would not.  I don't regret the decision to have weight loss surgery but I do regret the journey that the surgery took me on.  In answer to your question how do you cope? You just do, you draw on your own inner strengths and the support and love that others give you.  Financially I will probably never recover, emotionally I am way stronger, more focussed and more positive than I ever was an obese person. 

If you are still making your decision do the research, ask the questions, undertake all the pre op requirements, get the psychological assistance you need and have it all in place before you make an informed decision.

I hope this helps and good luck

G

Hi Glenmaree sorry it went so wrong for you, Your post put things into perspective your right, obesity itself carries it's own health issues anyhow. But it's good to look at all sides of the coin i believe, having read many of the posts I am still going to do it, assuming i can when i attend the clinic. Thanks for being honest , and wish you good health from here in :)

Hi FBS

Seems so wrong to call someone by your user name - sorry for the abbreviation.  The reason that Suzy and I have shared our journey's is so that people  can understand the risks and hopefully it helps others to make informed choices.  All surgeries carry risks and bariatric surgery is no different.  People are told by surgeons and most if not all just put  the risks aside because the benefits outweigh the risk.  It is not until you are caught up in the complication journey that you begin to realise and understand the life changing decisions that you make when you sign the consent form.  The fact that most  people are morbidly obese raises the risk of complications.

For me the bypass was a no brainer as my quality of life with a failed sleeve was dreadful.  Suzy 77 would probably say the same and the surgery she just has undergone was far more risky than the bypass.  In terms of success and experience, I think the results are mixed and the actual long term outcome is still to be worked out.

When I look back on my life pre sleeve, I was heading into an early grave with all the co-morbid health conditions.  That risk is now gone however I continue to have health issues and probably will do so for ever.  Would I swap those health issues for the early check out, no I would not.  I don't regret the decision to have weight loss surgery but I do regret the journey that the surgery took me on.  In answer to your question how do you cope? You just do, you draw on your own inner strengths and the support and love that others give you.  Financially I will probably never recover, emotionally I am way stronger, more focussed and more positive than I ever was an obese person. 

If you are still making your decision do the research, ask the questions, undertake all the pre op requirements, get the psychological assistance you need and have it all in place before you make an informed decision.

I hope this helps and good luck

G

Suzy77 wrote:

Thank you guys! I'm in Holy Spirit at Chermside. Been in and out of here about 7 times in last few months. Not been fun! But nurses and everyone here has been great. No one knows why this has happened and my surgeon is One f the best. Just hasn't worked for me! For a long time I thought it was just me struggling and not trying enough but my surgeon and team never gave up tryin to find out what was going on. So despite massively struggling with the bypass decision, I was left with no choice in the end as we tried revision surgery, stents, all knds and I'm just glad it's done!

Looking forward to my new life starting over again!

Chris before the sleeve you gave me great advice I was so nervous of the "easy route" and being judged! Wow it has been anything but the easy route that's for sure! Haha

Xxxxx

This, is the kind of thread that scares me into getting GS done, the "What Ifs" happens or goes wrong?, I know plenty of good stories to what I'f i am %1 how do you cope with that?. Isnt Bypass older surgery? how successful is it.

glenmaree wrote:

Hi Issi
Sorry about the delay in responding.  Re the mouth ulcers I have tried every mouth wash on the market, lozenges prescribed by the Doctor, different toothpastes and tooth brushes, peroxide, ointments, food restrictions and currently trialling no wheat and gluten.  I thought I was winning with the wheat thingy but no - today my mouth breaks out badly.  Researching the internet I came across a forum which recommended oral cortisone for 3 days and I have taken one tablet today so will give it a go.  I am desperate as I am always in pain, can't eat anything above mince and mash stage and some days it hurts to talk and as I counsel others this can be quite difficult. The dietician is concerned that it is a malabsorption issue, the GP is totally lost and the dentist no help either.  Any ideas would be appreciated
G

It's the stress of weight loss apparently.  It happens to people that take weight loss pills too and anorexics.  Kenalog over the counter helps but it's no long term solution.  If you find one let me know!

HI all,

My Dr, Dr Talbot, would not even consider a sleeve, after examining my band. He said either keep the band and learn to work with it, or have bypass. I had to wait 3 months after the band was removed but I know I made the right decision.

Dr Talbot also added a ring to the bypass, which will make the weight loss more long term he says.

He said that he would prefer not sleeving banders, if the band didn't work the sleeve wouldn't either.. so maybe he may be right for some people anyway

Best wishes to all on your journeys some of you have had a hard ride so far. but it has to get easier. Remember - when you wake up on this side of the dirt, it has to be a good day!

LOL

Hi Issi
Sorry about the delay in responding. Re the mouth ulcers I have tried every mouth wash on the market, lozenges prescribed by the Doctor, different toothpastes and tooth brushes, peroxide, ointments, food restrictions and currently trialling no wheat and gluten. I thought I was winning with the wheat thingy but no - today my mouth breaks out badly. Researching the internet I came across a forum which recommended oral cortisone for 3 days and I have taken one tablet today so will give it a go. I am desperate as I am always in pain, can't eat anything above mince and mash stage and some days it hurts to talk and as I counsel others this can be quite difficult. The dietician is concerned that it is a malabsorption issue, the GP is totally lost and the dentist no help either. Any ideas would be appreciated
G

glenmaree what do you do about the mouth ulsers? For me this was my first sign that my band was eroding. They come every time I "diet" now.

Hi

Sorry no-one has responded. Quite a few bypasses are on another Facebook group so don't come here as often.

You asked about the bypass. I had a resectional bypass after a failed sleeve meaning my sleeved tummy was so badly damaged that it was removed and a piece of my bowel was used to create a tummy pouch. The bypass is huge surgery and there are issues - malabsorption, nausea, vomiting, restrictions, bowel problems, etc etc. I have ongoing issues with chronic nausea and mouth ulcers. Granted I have lost a lot of weight but the ongoing problems are very draining. The bypass is nothing more than a tool to use with weight loss. Eat wrong and you gain weight. It is most definitely not the answer and it has long term health implications. May I suggest that you do lots of research, talk to other bypassers, get a second opinion and only when fully informed make a decision. My diary under glenmaree and Suzy 77 are worth a read. Please pm me if you have more questions and good luck with the decision making
G

Hello

I'm having issues with my sleeve it has a pouch/pocket thingy up the top and my dr has said about having a bypass, I would really like to know how u all r doing from going from sleeve to bypass??
My worry is ok if I only have a sleeve now n if I go bypass what happens if something goes wrong how will drs fix it to give me some form or a stomach??
I've had no issues with my sleeve in these last 17 months, it makes me sad to think I may have to say goodbye sleeve n hello bypass, any help or advice would b great

Thanks fleastar

Hi Suzy, yes I just replied :-)

Glenmaree is right - take care of yourself and your health. Your body is going to take it's own sweet time and from memory, I didn't lose a thing when I was in hospital, it was a few weeks after it kicked in. All was worried about was getting fluids and nutrition in so I could function!

It is a scary journey so don't be afraid to ask away, I know I was petrified and luckily I also had Glenmaree giving me fantastic advice along with my girlfriends supporting me.

Speak soon xo

Thanks Linda! Every day now is more positive and I'm working really hard at this. Look forward to catching up with you at the next sleevers get together!

Garfield I sent you a pm. Not sure if it worked so let me know if it didn't. I look forward to hearing more!

Glenmaree has been such a help, reminding me this isn't about weightloss now it's about health and exactly what my surgeon etc said too. This is functional surgery now not about losing weight. It really helps to look at it that way!

Thanks everyone
Suzy
Xxx

So good to read these updates ladies! Glad you are doing so well.
When I booked in for my sleeve I always had it in the back of my mind that I could have the bypass if anything went wrong or it failed.
Keep up the good work!
Linda 😀

Hi Suzy, ask away :-)
I ended up with a nasal tube as well as a drip until I could have the bypass done. Horrid thing and put on 5kgs in 1 week! But it helped me avoid my malnutrition issue super quick.

Didn't want the bypass either as thought it was too drastic, but the longer I held it off the longer I was in limbo with my health and life, so agreeing to it was the best step forward. To be honest the only difference between the two surgeries that I can tell is I must take vitamins daily or I get lethargic very easily and I don't have a hint of reflux.

Life is improving for me each week. I can eat anything, just smaller portions. Weight is dropping off with little effort (I should be making more of an effort LOL).

I did take a while to recover after the bypass, but I think it's because I had two massive operations in such a short period of time as my sleeve stuffed up 5wks after. Just take it easy, rest a lot, drink lots of fresh juices and take your vitamins. My turnaround was after I started taking sublingual Vit B12 - wonder vitamin for me!!

All the very best for a quick and safe recovery

Thanks so much Garfield. Would love to hear more of your story so might pm you!

And thanks everyone else for their wishes. Will look forward to seeing you soon Lizzyc! When we are both feeling better!

Am definitely feeling more positive. Have my moments of emotion especially still on these drugs and still very fragile but relief is certainly the most predominant feeling right now!

Xxx

Hi Suzy, I had the exact same issue! But didn't do the stent as my Dr said it never works.
Mine was 5wks after sleeving, but now it's 4 months on and I am a happy bypass patient.

Goodluck! :-)

Hi Suzy so glad you are through the other side of the bypass now and I hope that your path in now onwards and upwards for your health and of course for the weight to keep on going downwards. I would have come for a visit but alas I am still recovering from a cold bug and you certainly dont need anything else to deal with.

Once I am fully over the bugs I will make a time to come and visit when you are back at home.

You are an amazing person and have been so upbeat through all your dramas. Take care and hope to see you real soon.

Luv Liz xx

Hi Chris

You sound very positive now and lets hope your rough trot is over. Wishing you a very fast recovery from the by pass and hope you are home safe and sound next week. Rest up and get better soon.

Karen

Thank you guys! I'm in Holy Spirit at Chermside. Been in and out of here about 7 times in last few months. Not been fun! But nurses and everyone here has been great. No one knows why this has happened and my surgeon is One f the best. Just hasn't worked for me! For a long time I thought it was just me struggling and not trying enough but my surgeon and team never gave up tryin to find out what was going on. So despite massively struggling with the bypass decision, I was left with no choice in the end as we tried revision surgery, stents, all knds and I'm just glad it's done!

Looking forward to my new life starting over again!

Chris before the sleeve you gave me great advice I was so nervous of the "easy route" and being judged! Wow it has been anything but the easy route that's for sure! Haha

Xxxxx