Any gastric bypass patients on here

steezymom

Personally, I would highly recommend it IF, you go through the riggerous training ahead of time.

I had to take classes, do monthly nurse phone calls, homework etc. The classes train you for what to expect, what to do, what to eat, how to eat, how to move etc. It is set up to relearn to eat and the purpose of food. I have a very close friend who had the surgery without all this prep work and gain prob 75% of the weight back because old habbits continued.

I believe 100% that if I had NOT done the prep classes in addition to regular dietition visits I wouldn't be as sucessful as I have been thus far.

I learned to treat food as fuel not treats. Now, a piece of fruit is a "treat". The old me would have killed a box of oreo's! I hope that helps!

DebLegare1

I had Gastric bypass in 2010 and lost 165 my first 2 years when malabsorption is at it's best or what they call the honeymoon period. You will lose no matter what. However after that 2 year period if you don't change your habits you will gain because the intestine will allow calorie absorption to a degree and every person differs. I have gained 15 pounds in the last year but I know exactly why. Im eating slider foods high in carbs and fats and I know how much I can eat at a time to prevent dumping which I still do. I know my pouch is in tact because if I eat too many solids I back up and throw the last bite up.

According to my NUT now I should be a a 2 to 1 ratio of proteins to carbs (80 proteins- 40 carbs or less) to re lose my gained weight. At 4 years out I am still considered a great success so don't fret. You can reverse with hard work. Its a tool not a promise forever so once you lose you need to be vigilant.
I am a journalist and did a lot of research and have done lots of articles on my surgery over the years. I speak at groups and try to help those I can. Things have happened that are bad for many like my sister who has had to have iron infusions at her 5 year mark but over all we both don't regret our decisions to do this. I had a metabolic disorder that I would've ended up in a wheel chair by 40 if I didnt lose weight. I was thin until this disorder and gained 150 in 2 years. MY body wasnt happy. This saved the quality of my life and so I make sure I take my vitamins every day and get my bloodwork etc...

Use the info given to you. It never stops. No drinking while eating. You will get hungrier faster if you do. Proteins first always!!
stay away or only treat occasionally once many years out on processed carbs. I have spaghetti once in a while but carbs makes you want more carbs...all the old rules apply years later.

I have gone back to those rules and have been back to losing a pound every 2 days or so which is great. My 15 will be gone in no time...

Let me know if I can help
Debbie in Maryland

liz89118

I had lapband surgery 5 years ago...I've lost and maintained a weight loss of 115 pounds. My goal is to lose another 20 pounds that won't have me at a size 5 but a size 12 hopefully I'm okay with that because maintaining the weight loss is another goal.
I had a slight gain myself 3 years ago when I lost my father...those 20 pounds to get on were so easy but to get off took me about a year. Feel free to add me

ender_kb

I had a RNY Gastric Bypass in June of 2009. 5 years this year! Woot! I've lost a little over 100lbs and only fluctuate within a 10lb range. No weight gain back. I think I'm doing really well with my diet, of course I cheat on things occasionally and don't exercise like I should (which is why I'm here), but all in all I feel great about myself. I'm happy to help anyone that wants it! CW: 171 Ultimate GW: 155

pamdsaul

I had RNY Gastric bypass surgery December 5, 2013. I have lost 75 lbs since my surgery. I expected to lose weight much faster. I go for days without seeing any change in my weight. I don't eat over 1200 calories a day. My hair is falling out and my skin in loose. Any tips on what I can do to improve these problems? I know that I will have to have skin removal and I really dread that. The Dr. has talked to me about a tummy tuck. My tummy don't bother me as much as my arms and legs. It's not just my upper arms and thighs, it's the whole arms and legs that have saggy skin. But, I do feel much better. I am glad I had the surgery because I had been trying to lose weight since I had a hysterectomy and I couldn't lose anything no matter how hard I tried. Reading these post has helped me. I'm glad to find other people that have chose to travel the same road I am on. Feel free to add me as a friend. I still have a long way to go to reach my weight goal. So I need all the help I can get on this journey.

pamdsaul

:smooched:

steezymom

pamdsaul:

What are you doing for exercise? I took up Yoga 2-3 times a week and it has helped build some muslce to help "fill in" some of the skin. I know that some skin will sag regardless but, time will tell just how bad.

How much protein are you getting? Everyone I know who lost any major amount of hair was due from not getting needed protein. You prob haven't had your 6 month blood draw yet so you will likely find out soon if your getting enough. I try to get 75 min a day but, shoot for more like 90. I know it sounds like a crazy amount but, skiping filler type foods really makes it easy. I start every day with a protein shake, premier "snack size" chocolate. Has 100 calories, 18 grams of protein and like 2 grams of sugar. The other protein I use is Syntrax Nectar. That one is a fruit flavored one(well the ones I buy). It is like drinking juice. 23 grams per scoup 100 calories. I get all my absolute min 60 a day from food but, if I am feeling sluggish etc I like to occasionally have the extra protein with the Nectar.

I notice myself slow when I have too many carbs. I really try hard to keep those under 75. Doesn't always happen but, that is what I shoot for.
75 pounds at 5 months out sounds like fantastic progress to me, congrats!

daniellenelson06

When I was out under six months I ate much less that 1200 cal because that what a regular person eats. I am trying to lose the weight I gained after babies and meds that made me gain weight and honey I try to stick to 800 to 900 cal a day. Also working out is a great way to tone and lose more weight.

daniellenelson06

Hello I had my RNY 4 year ago and I lost 140 and I have gained about 35 back and I am having a huge problem with that. I have had two babies in this time that the good point. I also have nerve damage and now cant workout the way I was in the beginning working with a therapy trying to make it better but I am really stressing about my weight. I have been stress eating some and also had a little issue with carbs but I have been doing better. I am trying to do 800 to 900 cal a day and see some results just not enough. PLEASE HELP !!!

steezymom

Daniellenelso:

My suggestion would be to cut yourself a little slack You are already identifiying problems and how to fix them, a huge step I think! Maybe try the 5 day pouch reset? Might help you get a jump start and reintroduce yourself to everything? I am still really early on so I can't offer too much advise but I can def support you!

The other thing I do is use a fitbit. A fancy pedometer, that really helps me realize when I am being lazy. Also, how are you sleeping? That can really make a big difference. And articifical sweeteners, they make me crave carbs. More carbs I eat the more I crave so I just really try to avoid them all together(other than natually occuring).

Feel free to friend me!

steezymom

I had RNY Gastric bypass surgery December 5, 2013. I have lost 75 lbs since my surgery. I expected to lose weight much faster. I go for days without seeing any change in my weight. I don't eat over 1200 calories a day. My hair is falling out and my skin in loose. Any tips on what I can do to improve these problems? I know that I will have to have skin removal and I really dread that. The Dr. has talked to me about a tummy tuck. My tummy don't bother me as much as my arms and legs. It's not just my upper arms and thighs, it's the whole arms and legs that have saggy skin. But, I do feel much better. I am glad I had the surgery because I had been trying to lose weight since I had a hysterectomy and I couldn't lose anything no matter how hard I tried. Reading these post has helped me. I'm glad to find other people that have chose to travel the same road I am on. Feel free to add me as a friend. I still have a long way to go to reach my weight goal. So I need all the help I can get on this journey.

I would suggest to not weigh yourself more than 1x a week. I only weigh in on Monday mornings in the same weight clothes etc. Just a thought!

lindahope549

I had RNY 12/3/13

ziria2014

Hi everyone...i had gastric bypass almost a year ago on May 28th 2013....i was down to 190 lbs for the day of the surgery...almost a year later and im 154 lbs...i just feel like i did not do this right, like i have failed and im sooo frustrated...My goal weight is 130lbs i have just 25 more pounds to go but these are sooo difficult....ive lost only six pounds since January 2013...i try to take care of my self..eating healthy high protein low carb and i exercise 4 to times a week, however i have a sweet tooth and sometime ill indulge but not a lot just a little...Is this normal? i still want to lose 25 lbs more...please some advice...maybe im not eating right..Please i need help! this is driving me crazy...i was thinking of joining weight watchers...What do you thing...??? HELP!

ziria2014

I reaing allthese post ans everyone is losing 75 pound in 6 months, 115 pound in a year...i went into surgert weighing 190 and i have only lost 40 pounds in almost a year...am i the only in the world that gastric did not work correctly??!!!

ziria2014

That is awesome...i wish i was dealing with trying to gain back a few pounds...i am still working very hard at losing 22 more lbs to reach my goal weight...

candynerds

Post OP gastric bypass gal here. 7 months after surgery, lost 59 pounds since surgery and a total of 79 pounds since starting the pre-six month process of getting on the bariatric band wagon a little over a year ago.

anyway, if anyone wants to friend me it'd be nice to compare notes with fellow gastric bypass folk.

meyou4042

Hi - I am thinking about getting the gastric bypass and would love to know more about it! Can you tell me if everyone has to do the 6 month diet before surgery? (If I could do that I would not need surgery!)

pamdsaul

The rules that you have to follow for gastric bypass depends on your insurance. I didn't have to do the 6 month diet because I had a documented history of diet and exercise for several years. I was able to get my bypass in 2 months after my first visit with the surgeon. I had my bypass December 5, 2013. As of today I have lost 87 lbs. I couldn't be happier about the weight loss. I must confess I do feel sick a lot after eating each meal. I know that this is my fault. I usually eat to fast or I sometimes eat things that don't agree with me. After the surgery your taste changes. I don't know why and the dr. couldn't explain it but food don't taste the same. Things I really liked to eat were horrible after the surgery. That was a good thing. I can't eat bread of any kind without it making me sick. I'm glad of that because bread was a weakness for me.

The surgery is just a tool to help with the weight loss. It is definitely not a cure for obesity. You have to be determined to change your eating habits and exercise for the rest of your life to lose the weight and keep it off. I have been told by people that had the surgery before me that after 2 years they could eat or drink anything and it didn't bother them anymore. They have gained weight and some of them lost it again. Their advice to me was to keep the good eating habits that you develop after surgery. I do know people that had the surgery and never lost very much weight at all and weigh more now than they did before the surgery.

I was hoping to be at my goal weight at this point but I'm not there yet. I still have maybe 25-30 lbs more that I want to lose. I know I am happy with the size I am now but I will continue on this journey and now I'll be happy with whatever weight that my body decides to stop at. Eating healthy and exercise is now my goal. Feeling better is worth everything that I have been through. It isn't about the numbers so much anymore. My granddaughter told me today that I was to skinny to be a grandmother that I need to gain weight. Grandma's are not supposed to be as little as I am. God love her. I am by no means little but it is a big change from where I was to where I am now.

steezymom

Hi There!

I agree, it depends on your insurance company. I didn't have to do 6 months of diet exactly however, I did have a "process" to go through. My journey:

I literally woke up one day in April 2013 and realized I was going to be 35 that fall and after gaining back and then some of my last major loss(almost 5 years prior) I decided to start looking into surgery. I have fibromyalgia and was put on lyrica the winter of 12/13 resulting in additional 30+ pound gain. I hurt, I couldn't get around well, felt like a horrible circle...Call insurance and got the names of some "premier providers" in my area.

2 weeks later I was at the information seminar, 2 days after that met with Dietitian. After learning more around the actual surgery and the actual changes I would have to make(cut the sweets etc) I really felt like this was something I could benefit from.

My insurance required me to meet with dietitan several times(she set weight loss goals for between our visits), do phone classes every 2 weeks, a psychological exam/personality test. It was A LOT of hoop to jump through. BUT, and I capitalize for it was a BIG but, I NEEDED EVERY BIT OF IT!!!

The meeting with the dietitain, the huge work book and phone classes taught me sooooo much. I had always eaten fruits and veggies but was on carb over load and not being active enough etc. The classes retaugh me what food was, fuel. I had my 9 month post op call last week and I admited to my counselor I was mad about the classes prior to surgery but as time went on I realized they were KEY in me being successful. How much sugar should be in a serving, how to get my protein, what supplements to take you name it.

I KNOW I wouldn't be as succesful as I have been without all the "training". I am 7.5 pounds from goal weight 9 1/2 months after surgery!!! That is amazing!!!

I am off all my fibro meds managing with just the occasional tramodol, diet, and exercise. I sleep now, and don't need medication to do it. I wake up with energy and zest for life...because for the first time in a long time I AM LIVING!!!

Only people who are commited to changing the way they live should do this or it will all be for nothing! I removed most starches from my diet and added sugars...makes a world of difference!!!

I never lost my hair or muscle mass because I ALWAYS GET my protein. All blood work has been good except my vitamin A, that is a work in progess(a common issue per my dietitian). It was the scariest but, best choice I have ever made for myself. My future looks so good! No worries about not watching my 3 kids grow up and my choice to become healthy convinved my husband to quit smoking(something he swore he wouldn't do) after 17 years!!! Totally a win win.

Best of luck to you in your journey!

waltermoore01

I had gastric bypass about 14 years ago. I have been looking for anyone than has had it takedown, and put back normal. I am having chest pains and I think it has something to do with my stomach. When I eat I can not breath. I also keep gas trapped. I really would like so advice. Please if you have had heart issue since your bypass please heat.

Earthangel171

I am considering having gastric bypass and have changed my mind several times due to fear. I see a lot of great stories on here and for health reason I really need to make this life style change. The only thing I didn't know you could easily gain the weight back. And how do you survive the first two weeks of clear liquid only???

5555price

I don't think everyone has to do a 6 month diet, each doctor is different. My doctor asked me to do a 4 week diet before my surgery. I had already lost 20 lbs since my first appointment with him. The one he suggested was way too much, close to $1000 for all the food and supplies. I found a similar meal replacement plan on the Bariatric Advantage website and it was about $150. I was able to lose about 25 lbs in that month in order to shrink my liver for the surgery. My surgery was April 28th 2014 and I have lost 40 lbs since then and a total of 88 lbs since my first visit to the doctor.

kimberlywhitehead3

Hi! I'm so glad I found your thread! I had gastric bypass in 2001 and lost 131 lbs; I didn't like the way I looked at all. As long as I had clothes on it wasn't bad...
Then about two years after my surgery I was really hungry for a snickers bar; I bought a bag of the bite sized ones and prepared myself for the "dumping syndrome" and it NEVER happened. I ate 3 or 4 or the small ones. I cried! I had chosen the gastric bypass because I knew I could never eat sugar again or I'd gain weight. Long story short, I did.....
Then life happened and I'm an emotional eater and eat I did.
I'm preparing to do the 5 Day Pouch Test and this week I've been eating some soups that I normally wouldn't eat and snacks that people have suggested. I'm surprised that I already notice some tightness in my pouch.

lynnierose9

totally normal we all do.

osbornrja

Hello- I am glad that I found this thread. I am having my gastric sleeve done on 7/21 and I am both nervous and excited at the same time. I start my 2 week pre-surgery liquids today. I have enjoyed reading everyones experiences. Just like most I am worried about not getting enough protein in and the possiblity of hair loss. I am also worried about how I will feel after the surgery.

I had to do a 12 week documented weight loss program for my surgery to be approved by my insurance. It has been quit the journey these last 12 weeks and I am anxious to see what the future brings.

liscurti

I will try to get a picture on here soon so I can meet people! I had my surgery 12/09. I lost 130 pounds almost effortlessly in the first two years. In the past two years I have gained 25 pounds. I have read on here that you lose the benefit of malabsorption. All of a sudden it seemed like I could eat whatever I wanted. I went back to my old habits. I have tried weight watchers, but I need something that addresses the food addiction. I have signed up to attend Cor Retreat. Has anyone heard of it or attended? It is five days and is supposed to get to the bottom of the food addiction. I have looked at the website, and read the testimonials, but I would love to talk to someone who has attended. I am going to try the 5 day pouch test to get the sugar out of my system, and shrink my stomach. If anyone wants someone for an accountability partner, I would love to have that, both for exercise and food!

kristlynngirl

I had gastric bypass 13 months ago. I wore a size 22/24 and weighed 270 lbs the day of my surgery. Now I wear a 12/14 and weigh around 175 lbs (I have been bouncing between 170-178 for the past 4 months but still losing inches). Hardest journey ever, best decision ever.

JMSemones

I am in the process of the 6 months of Dr. Supervised diet and exercise that is required by my insurance in order to have Gastric Bypass Surgery. It is going by pretty fast....almost 4 months gone....two more to go and then I will have that hurdle out of the way. My insurance doesn't require a specific amount of weight to lose, just to show compliance and the ability to follow Doctor's orders. So with that said....I too am looking for friends with similar issues to join me in this journey to a better self and life. Feel free to send me a message and a friend request if you are interested. :flowerforyou: :glasses:

AshleyAllen1993

Hello I was just wanting to hear some information on the Gastric Bypass. Is it dangerous? I am 20 years only I am 5"4 and weigh 250ibs. I had my little girl November 2013 and I am hurting bad. My ankles hurt and my back bad. I am thinking about getting the gastric bypass or the sleeve can you guys tell me some info on it. I want to be a healthy mommy. I haven't been able to loose weight with exercise and diet. I don't want to risk getting it if there is a high risk of illness because I don't want to be away from my baby girl. Please can you tell me about yours

TurnerErica17

hello I am new to this but I had gastric bypass on 5/8/13 and have lost 160lbs so far. I need so help getting going again. Let chat!