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Original poster

I'm having a gastric bypass when I weigh 9 stone

65 replies

HenleyHenleyHenley · 08/05/2025 14:45

Hi all,

first time posting my own thread so apologies if this is wrong.

just looking for some advice really and some reassurance to anybody who's had a gastric bypass. Yes, im 9 stone, 5'5 and already slim.
I have a very complex medical history including an incurable cancer which is currently stable and lots more. Due to the cancer and chemo and many many surgeries I have had, I found out today that when I eat to about 40% of my stomachs capacity, the other 60% of my stomach flips / folds down. I'm under my oncology team who include gastro surgeons and had a Bavarium swallow today to find out why I'm being sick every single day after every meal. I have something called a gastric volvulus. Normally it's urgent or an emergency but my stomach flips back again after I've been sick or after my stomach has emptied into my intestines / bowel.

im on the list for surgery and the treatment is cutting away the bit of stomach that flaps. Roughly 60% of it. Essentially a gastric bypass.

has anyone here had a bypass? I am worried about losing more weight when I'm slim already.

AIBU to think, as much as this needs sorting, that a gastric bypass on a 9 stone slim woman is insanity?! I trust the consultants and realise this is the only way to fix it, but I am really worried. Its a small surgery compared to the huge surgeries I've had but I'm terrified!

if anyone has any experience or clarity on what the recovery is like, please please please could you reply, I'm so nervous.

thank you

OP posts:
ChoccieCornflake · 08/05/2025 15:15

The other thing to remember is this - you've had cancer and chemo and got through them. This is just routine surgery (to the people doing it, which is what counts). You can do this!!

TrojanCat · 08/05/2025 15:14

That sounds more to me like a gastric sleeve and that's a very different procedure to a bypass x

SunnySideDeepDown · 08/05/2025 15:13

I’m guessing it’s the lesser of two evils. You may have a smaller stomach but at least you’ll be able to retain the contents. Versus retaining nothing and loses masses of weight. How have you been able to stay 9 stone with after each meal? Is it a recent thing?

All the best, fingers crossed for a smooth procedure and recovery.

Original poster
HenleyHenleyHenley · 08/05/2025 15:11

ChoccieCornflake · 08/05/2025 15:06

It's definitely not an insanity if it's medically recommended. I would also imagine you will find it easier to retain weight with a small-but functioning stomach rather than a constantly vomiting one. Best wishes it all goes well with a speedy recovery and that you soon can eat much more easily

Thank you, that's what I keep telling myself. If my stomach is only functioning at 40% now and I am committing, hopefully a working 40% will be better than what it currently is.

just hope the recovery isn't too harsh as I'm a single mum to a little girl 😔

OP posts:
Original poster
HenleyHenleyHenley · 08/05/2025 15:10

TrojanCat · 08/05/2025 15:09

I don't think this is the same as a bypass. I think it's the removal of a dysfunctional part of your stomach. A bypass reroutes your entire system and changes hormones and nutrition absorption. Surely they wouldn't be doing that?

They will be removing 60% of my stomach, the whole part that flips and twists so I'll be left with 40% of my stomach.

this is all new to me and I only found out today but I'll get more in depth answers when I see my consultant.

OP posts:
Original poster
HenleyHenleyHenley · 08/05/2025 15:09

Ridingthespringwave · 08/05/2025 15:07

Sympathies, that all sounds very difficult to live with. I hope the surgery does help.

I'd suggest changing your title to ask if people have experience of surgery for gastric volvulus. The last thing you need is the inevitable crowd who only read half your OP and tell you you're being silly.

Ah thank you, I'll request to get it amended. :)

from what I've read it's pretty rare but I'm just grateful for any experience at this point.

OP posts:
TrojanCat · 08/05/2025 15:09

I don't think this is the same as a bypass. I think it's the removal of a dysfunctional part of your stomach. A bypass reroutes your entire system and changes hormones and nutrition absorption. Surely they wouldn't be doing that?

Original poster
HenleyHenleyHenley · 08/05/2025 15:08

SkibbityBap · 08/05/2025 15:05

Gosh. I'm so sorry for your health troubles.

I have not had a bypass but I have had a gastric sleeve and lost 119lbs. I now weigh 9st.

Have you spoken to your team about how you will maintain your weight? They must have a plan in place?

It all happened very quickly today, I'm waiting to see my actual consultant but the consultant on duty showed me what he found and said that I'd need it surgically fixed and the usual surgery is a bypass. I'm due an appointment in the next week to confirm everything.

I lose weight very easily and during cancer and the chemo I went down to 7 stone with ease, not intentional of course. That's the main thing that worries me. From reading online I'll be on a liquid diet after for a bit so I guess I'll need to have those very heavy calorie dense drinks after.

im terrified :(

OP posts:
Ridingthespringwave · 08/05/2025 15:07

Sympathies, that all sounds very difficult to live with. I hope the surgery does help.

I'd suggest changing your title to ask if people have experience of surgery for gastric volvulus. The last thing you need is the inevitable crowd who only read half your OP and tell you you're being silly.

ChoccieCornflake · 08/05/2025 15:06

It's definitely not an insanity if it's medically recommended. I would also imagine you will find it easier to retain weight with a small-but functioning stomach rather than a constantly vomiting one. Best wishes it all goes well with a speedy recovery and that you soon can eat much more easily

SkibbityBap · 08/05/2025 15:06

MoiMoiMoiMoi · 08/05/2025 15:04

I think you should ask MN to amend your title to add "for medical resons" so people know and actually click.

Well they can get that extra info from taking 20 seconds to read the post. A title is the basic facts and the opening post is context.

If people weigh in based on the title without even reading OPs post then that's on them!

SkibbityBap · 08/05/2025 15:05

Gosh. I'm so sorry for your health troubles.

I have not had a bypass but I have had a gastric sleeve and lost 119lbs. I now weigh 9st.

Have you spoken to your team about how you will maintain your weight? They must have a plan in place?

MoiMoiMoiMoi · 08/05/2025 15:04

I think you should ask MN to amend your title to add "for medical resons" so people know and actually click.

Nevertrustacop · 08/05/2025 15:04

Sorry I don't know anything about this but if it has been recommended it definitely isn't insanity! Sorry you have to endure this and I hope it sorts things out for you.

Original poster
HenleyHenleyHenley · 08/05/2025 15:01

shameful bump

OP posts:
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