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Twenty Most Recent Questions:

  1. I quit receiving the on-line newsletter, did you stop posting it (Feb 3, 2012) (View) (1 answer)
  2. Has Anyone Had A Band Holiday for Slippage? (Feb 3, 2012) (View) (1 answer)
  3. Does insurance cover (Feb 1, 2012) (View) (5 answers)
  4. has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass? (Feb 1, 2012) (View) (9 answers)
  5. What to do about plateaus (Jan 31, 2012) (View) (4 answers)
  6. Im in need of some honest answers! (Jan 27, 2012) (View) (8 answers)
  7. Can anyone give me some suggestions? (Jan 25, 2012) (View) (6 answers)
  8. How do I stop weight gain after being put on hormones? (Jan 23, 2012) (View) (1 answer)
  9. Weird tingling/oozing feeling immediately after drinking anything? (2 wks out) (Jan 12, 2012) (View) (2 answers)
  10. Anyone out there diagnosed with an ulcer post RNY gastric bypass? (Jan 10, 2012) (View) (4 answers)
  11. i went for cardiotesting but all he was what kind of excercise i can do how how many (Jan 10, 2012) (View) (1 answer)
  12. Does anyone know if there is a food pyramid specifically for Gastric Bypass? (Jan 10, 2012) (View) (6 answers)
  13. sleep deprived (Jan 9, 2012) (View) (6 answers)
  14. When you work the night shift say 12 am to 9am, when should you eat? (Jan 4, 2012) (View) (4 answers)
  15. I have a sharp pain where one of the incisions are. (Dec 30, 2011) (View) (1 answer)
  16. I had GBS on 10/25/11 and I have reached a plateau. I went from 205 to 170 . (Dec 29, 2011) (View) (5 answers)
  17. what are some insurance's that cover the VSG (Dec 29, 2011) (View) (3 answers)
  18. can someone explain the 5 day pouch ??? (Dec 20, 2011) (View) (3 answers)
  19. as anyone tooken Folic Acid while pregnant after a gastic bypass of course? thank you (Dec 19, 2011) (View) (3 answers)
  20. How do I get approval for the sleeve from medicaid. (Dec 16, 2011) (View) (3 answers)

Thirty Most Recent Answers:

Q: Does insurance cover

[Feb 6, 2012]     Actually...if you read under Gastric-Bypass Revisions..there are several reasons for doing a revision after gastric bypass....gastro-gastric fistula, pouch dialation ( usually reason do not reach goal )..anastomotic dialtion. I have MORE than 15 lbs to lose to reach my goal. I weigh 210 now..wanted to get down to at least 160 lbs..thanks for all your replies.     — gra87mar     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has Anyone Had A Band Holiday for Slippage?

[Feb 4, 2012]     I'm a bypass patient, so don't have any first hand experience, however a friend of mine recently had the exact same issue. The doctor emptied her band, resulting in an immediate relief of her severe relux issues. Six weeks later he began slowly filling it again and she's had no further problems.     — Elizabeth T.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Feb 4, 2012]     I am 8 yrs. postop as of the 2nd of this mo. In the last 5 yrs. I too have gained 60 lbs. I lose and gain the same 10-12 lbs. each month. I have RA and have had 6 major surgeries since december of 2011. Over all 9 since wls in 2004. I keep up with what I eat in a journal. It helps keep me grounded most times. Until my stressers get to me and I want to eat more. I still dump on greasy foods like fried and oily, as well as sugar contents over 7gms. I in no way can seem to stick to any type of regimine. I do not want to say diet, but keeping up with what I put in my mouth does help. You can see where your mistakes are being made. Talking to my surgeon also gave me insight as to what I can do to jump start my losing again also. A visit with a nutritionist as well helps. Due to my RA I have to do things in moderation and it is hard. Mobility for me is a struggle. Talk to your surgeon to see if he can do something. Some can lose and get to their goal and then gain or keep it off with little or no problem. I had problems from the start with losing. My sisters lost to their goals and now 1 of them is gaining after 1 yr. due to diabetic meds she never got off of. I hope you can get some very mush needed info on how to get back on track and stay. They fixed our pouches to make us lose but did not fix our minds with the problems that made us fat in the first place. Therapy works for me as well to help with the stressers.     — mspisces     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I quit receiving the on-line newsletter, did you stop posting it

[Feb 4, 2012]     There hasn't been many posts.     — FSUMom     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     Pain varies by individual. I hurt like heck for the first 10-12 days. Many folks in my support group had very little pain. I have a low pain tolerance, though. I passed out as a teenager when I got my ears pierced. I took off 6 weeks, but only because I hate my job, and I wanted to be back on solid food.     — S. Brookens     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     My recovery was very quick. Had surgery at about 11 a.m. and was in my room by 4 p.m. Got up and started walking about 1/2 hour after getting to my room. Walked every hour until I went home. I had a pain pump but never pushed the button once. My doctor said he was surprised because I only had the minimum dosage that is automated. They took the IV out the next morning. The worst pain I had was not from surgery but from the shots they give you in your abdomin to prevent clots. I had a drain and emptying the drain was uncomfortable but it came out before I went home. My doctor released me the next day, but there was a blizzard so he asked if I wanted to stay a second night to wait for the storm to blow over. I did stay but didn't recieve any pain meds. I had a prescription for liquid lortab, I think I took one dose after I got home and never needed anymore. The key is to get your butt out of bed and walk as soon as you are awake enough to do it. Every other patient that had surgery the day I did was in for at least 3 days because they wouldn't get up and get moving. Your recovery time will be cut by more than half if you get moving. And besides that you just plain feel better if you do. Oh yeah, I was back to work in a week, could have gone back sooner but had plenty of sick leave so I took the whole week. Good luck! It was the best decision I ever made and the best money I ever spent (I was a self pay - my insurance didn't cover it).     — brindledanes     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does insurance cover

[Feb 2, 2012]     Revision to what? if you had gastric by pass, what would you do more? I know many who have had lap band and then went on to the full Roux and Y or gastric sleeve but if you already had the RNY, not sue what you would want from here.     — tfqh99     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     I had my surgery on a Thursday, came home from the hospital on Sat and by Monday night was back to feeding my horses and doing all my normal chores. I had a brief two weeks where it would be a dull ache where they anchored the other part of the stomach to the side but they said within two weeks that would subside and it sure did. I would do it again in a heartbeat.     — tfqh99     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does insurance cover

[Feb 2, 2012]     WOW!! This answer might help you and might now... I had lapband in 2009 and never lost any more than 20 pounds. My doctor said "yep, it failed and you need a revision to RNY" but since his practice was not a center of excellence yet (he had been trying for over 2 years) and I was over 60, he couldn't do the surgery. (one of the political things..). So I found a wonderful Dr. in Saranac Lake (Drs. Hixson and Hill) and they said, Yes Lin you do need the surgery and let's GET IT THROUGH. I have Excellus Blue Cross and initially I was turned down. But Dr. Hixson did what they call a peer to peer meeting on the phone with the insurance company and they overturned their denial. I am having the revision on March 21st, so there is hope! Lin in Watertown NY     — LinnieJean     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does insurance cover

[Feb 2, 2012]     I agree with Foxymama. If you have only 15 pounds to lose why risk surgery? You are doing terrific on your own.     — Muggs     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     I had pain, but then I am a baby, I wasn't ready to go back to work for three weeks. I didn't take pain meds, but I had a lot of discomfort and soreness. You should rent a electric reclining lift chair, I had to sleep in a recliner for two weeks. When I had my breasts done I rented the chair, what a difference. I had a terrible case of sciatica when I had the surgery as well. Each time I think I want to eat something wrong I think of the hell I went through to get here. Good look!     — FSUMom     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     I had pain, but then I am a baby, I wasn't ready to go back to work for three weeks. I didn't take pain meds, but I had a lot of discomfort and soreness. You should rent a electric reclining lift chair, I had to sleep in a recliner for two weeks. When I had my breasts done I rented the chair, what a difference. I had a terrible case of sciatica when I had the surgery as well. Each time I think I want to eat something wrong I think of the hell I went through to get here. Good look!     — FSUMom     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does insurance cover

[Feb 2, 2012]     Besides losing the 15 lbs from the original 30, how much more do you want to lose? If it's just the 15 or slightly more, you might be better off going back to basics for few weeks. If more, you might want to talk to the surgeon and the insurance company.     — foxymama     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     Hello: I had surgery on a Tuesday around 10:00AM and came to the floor around 4:00PM the next morning at 6:00AM was the last pain meds I had. I came home with a prescription but never had to use them. I was SO thankful! I too began walking immediately which I think helped alot. Good luck!     — Sunshine1965     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     I am 13 months out and yes, I had minimal pain and what I felt was a quick recovery. Each person is different, but I think a lot of it is on the patient. The faster you push yourself out of the bed, the better. I was doing laps in the hospital the following morning; xmas shopping the following week for 5 hours. I then returned to work 2 weeks after surgery, only because my boss told me to take some extra time. The only regret that I have about surgery is why I didn’t do it sooner. Since surgery I have ran a 5 mile race with an avg time of 10.05. This Saturday I am participating in tackle the tower, a race up 38 story staircase. From there I am competing in the Warrior Dash in June. Then Pedal to the Point, which is a bike trip 150 miles in 2 days. I feel the surgery gives you the tools, but like anything else they are only as good as the person using them. Give a carpenter the best tools possible, doesn't mean they are the best carpenter. Set goals for yourself every couple of months. This will help you stay focused and more accomplished. Good luck!     — Jason E.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 2, 2012]     I agree with Bob, the best thing I have ever done. I am almost 2 years out. Well for me as far as pain. Its really not that big of a deal. The first two days you might have trouble getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed because they did do surgery on you. But the most important thing is to WALK.Walk to your mailbox, walk around your house, walk up and down the hall 10 times. Why is that important you ask? Because when they go in you they fill your body up with air so they can see what they are doing inside. Once they are done some of that air is still inside of you. The only way to get rid of that is to MOVE so your body can move it around so it can be absorb. Other wise you might get some shoulder pain and there is nothing the Drs can do to remove the pain except tell you to move. Like I said I am 2 yrs out and 160lbs down. No matter what kind of pain you might be in, it's all worth it in the long run.     — slvbullet     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: What to do about plateaus

[Feb 1, 2012]     I have lost and gained the same pound for about a month now. I am trying really hard to eat more protein. Hang in there!     — Carol V.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: has anyone had minimal fast pain recovery after gastric bypass?

[Feb 1, 2012]     I am 10 years out but my profile with details of that fun time are still there. I was back to work but taking it easy one week after surgery. Walked every day once out of hospital. One week anniversary walked a mile. WLS was the best decision of my entire life!     — bob-haller     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Feb 1, 2012]     I am over 10 years out and gain is to be expected:( But hopefully minimized. Look the yo yo dieting nearly everyone who had surgery messes with our metabolism more than WLS itself. Is the glass half ful or 1/2 empty? Lets imagine you didnt choose surgery..... How heavy would you be today after probably gaining more:( Probably a lot more than you weigh today? Now much is said about starvation mode making it impossible to lose weight. yet every gastric bypass patient went into starvation mode early on but still lost weight didnt we? On a lo cal liquid diet and cant lose? In the past were you stuck at that weight for awhile? You body remembers spots like that. Call your surgeon for advice, see a nutronist, and try to not stress so much. that will only make it worse     — bob-haller     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: What to do about plateaus

[Feb 1, 2012]     NOOOOOOOOOOOO wine, that will turn to fat! Plus, you need to get all your protein in first. I went to a nutrition support group meeting and the NUT just talked about how alcohol turns to fat. Also, when I was in my stage of losing weight, I wasn't allowed to eat carbs until I lost 75% of my weight. I do not know how much weight you have lost but that is what Cleveland Clinic in FL tells their patients to do. Are you exercising? The operation is just one tool, there are many components of this weight loss journey. If the place that did your surgery has support groups gooooooo, I even go to a psychologist as well. Good luck! Michele     — FSUMom     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: What to do about plateaus

[Feb 1, 2012]     You need to make sure you eat and drink enough Not doing so will cause your body to go into starvation mode or you could suffer other health issues. Remember all your pils etc are very important as is food and drink... Don't beat yourself up and/or consider yourself a failure. I am 2+ years out, have met goal and I go up and down 3 -5 lbs but never let it get beyond that! I have discovered thru my journey that alcohol cause my scale to go up... Be careful! Good luck. Debbie     — fortywhat2     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: What to do about plateaus

[Feb 1, 2012]     A plateau is not the end of the world, so don't treat it like one. It's not failure either. Give your body time to react. Body weight can fluctuate wildly for us women (I assume you are a woman). Hold on to the thought of that lower weight and work on making it permanent. Put that wine glass down and take a glass full of water instead. You don't mention whether you had surgery or whether you have already lost some weight. What kind of a diet are you following? The bariatric diet is similar to Atkins... plenty of protein, very low carb. and stick to the green, leafy type. I hadn't lost any weight for two months. Then suddenly, with no change on my part, I lost 5 lbs. Wonder of wonders since I'm almost at goal. Patience and perseverance wins the day!     — Amalia S.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Jan 30, 2012]     you eat so little after surgery that your metabolism practically stops then when you do start eating more the pounds come right back. I believe it completely screws up your metabolism making it impossible to eat anything at all without gaining. It is a very frustrating condition to have.     — Dale Elaine S.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Jan 29, 2012]     I to have had the same problem. I had gastric bypass 3 1/2 years ago. I lost 140 and have gained 55 back. I started gaining when I went back to work, and quit going to the gym five days a week. I have been working with the physician team at my surgeons office, who have been helping me get back on track. I needed to get back to basics, with no "cheating". My next step is to get back to the gym. This is a necessity for me, because I am having big trouble with my knees again. They are bone on bone and I need to have both of them replaced. I don't want to do this until my weight is back down, so I am in a crunch time here. I will not go back to the life that I had before the surgery! It was my health issues that led me to gain the weight initially before the surgery, and I will not go back there. So hang in there....go back to your basic diet and exercise, exercise, over and over! Good luck, you can do it!     — sandorah     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 3 years since bsrix surgery noticeing gsinin weight about 15-20lbs

[Jan 28, 2012]     I've been out 2 1/2 years and just gained over the holidays about 20lbs. I feel like a balloon and tomorrow going to the 5 day pouch test. I was before gastricbypass 242lbs dropped to 123lbs which made me look to thin so wanted to gain about 5 lbs and ended up lots more. I love my sweets and carbs, knowing they are the problem to weigh gain. Good luck with your journey!     — jminer410     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Jan 28, 2012]     Ok, God help me for what I'm about to say. But here it goes. Cut back on the liquid diet. You should be eating real food, not liquids. You should be eating about 1000-1200 calories a day. While excercising and eating anything less than 1000 cal. a day, you're body goes into starvation mode and holds on to any fat that it has. Go back to basics of when you started: protein first-then vegies and fruit, cut down on simple carbs like white flour and sugar and go to complex carbs like sweet potatoes and beans like kidney, garbanzo,lima,etc-get your fluids and vitamins in-weigh and measure everything you eat- journal your meal plan-if you are still in touch with the surgical team, talk to the dietician/nutritionist and get their take on what you're doing. I hope this helps.     — foxymama     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Jan 28, 2012]     I understand. I had my surgery in 06 too and I struggle at times. Have you tried using the websites that are out there like Fit Day? It is free. You can track your food and exercise. It also helps you to know how many calories you need each day to lose weight. You said that you don'e eat much but you still need to be careful of what it is you are eating and you need to make sure you are getting enough calories, and make sure they are healthy calories. Good Luck! You can do it!     — Ladysmilesmuch     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Jan 28, 2012]     This type of problem you posted is my biggest nightmare, I gained 3 lbs and I freaked out. So I went to my counselor, I stopped eating carbs and of course, I exercise. I forgot I also go to my support meetings at the Cleveland Clinic where I had my surgery. Also, I keep saying to myself, you do not want to gain weight after you went through this evasive surgery. I went through hell the first year, and to this day I am still limited to what I eat. I love carbs, but I try only to eat complex ones, my NUT says I should be eating good carbs. My NUT tells me the same thing about alcohol, so if I do drink I try to drink the alcohol with the less carbs, but I really do not drink that much, perhaps once or twice a month. You may ask, would I do this surgery again? In a heartbeat!!!! Good luck     — FSUMom     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im in need of some honest answers!

[Jan 28, 2012]     I can only offer suggestions. I had my gastric bypass in 09 and fortunately the times I've seen the scale begin to climb I been able to get in back down... some of the things that I have noticed cause my scale to climb... the biggest culprit was alcohol... my husband and I would go out on Friday nights and I would have 2 drinks (not even high calorie) the next... late night snacking, I've discovered I can eat sugar, ugh! The third grazing... not a lot but here and there... I've discovered I really need to stick to weighing and measuring all my food (even 2+ years out) and stick to the same eating schedule they taught me way back... yeah I still ver off but I weigh myself every few days cause like you I'm so afraid of going backwards... good luck!!!!! Debbie     — fortywhat2     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Can anyone give me some suggestions?

[Jan 27, 2012]     Im with you, I had my surgery on Halloween, The gastric Bypass, I went to the dr for my 3 months check up and I have only lost 40 pounds, Im a little upset with that, so they gave me a way to get going again. I write down everything I eat, and I only have 700 calories a day, including my protein drinks, I have lost 5 pounds this week, so im excited again, drink lots of water, you will feel full, I also go to the support groups, I exercise everyday, I go back to the dr in 6 weeks, instead of the 3 months, they want to see how I have done with the 700 calories, so we will see, but try that.     — wishiwasthin     (See other answers/post your answer)