Bariatric surgery no.2 thread

[Seriouslyconfused3]

For everyone following from the last thread...

If you’re new please feel free to join in and share your experiences

@RevisionSurgeryQ

Surgery day today - revision band to bypass.

I'm scared of the post op pain as I cannot tolerate opiates. And scared of having a GA.

But, I'm looking forward to being free of a problematic gastric band and resuming my weight loss journey.

Very best of luck. Honestly as somone who was absolutely shitting themse about the general anesthetic and convinced I would die on the table, it's actually fine. The whole experience was way less awful than I expected. The pain is also not that bad.

You'll get a chance to talk to loads of the medical team before the op. Talk to them about no opiate options. They won't want you in pain or reacting abdlt so it's in their interests to get this right too!

Where are you having it done? Or if you don't want to say is it private or NHS? I'm not doing much all day just recovering so I'm here for support! You can do this xx

Thank you for your message @Neonplant and for the reassurance.

I'm having the op at Spire Parkway, Solihull through Healthier Weight, private. I wouldn't qualify for bariatric surgery on the NHS.

As an aside, I truly don't know how people cope with the stress and anxiety of waiting and jumping through loads of hoops with NHS bariatric services.

Wishing you a speedy recovery @Neonplant. Take care

Hi everyone,

Having discovered that the NHS tier 3 waiting list is a year in our area - not even tier 4 which is even longer, some family members have stepped up and offered to help contribute towards the cost of having a gastric sleeve privately. I have an initial free consultation today to discuss my options.

What I want to know before I go any further than that is whether I will be entitled to take time off work for the surgery and recovery as it's elective surgery? I'm a teacher so can't just book holiday, and chances are, depending on recovery time, I would have to have time off during term time.

Also, those of you who have had a gastric bypass, how long was recovery for you?

@RevisionSurgeryQ

Thank you for your message *@Neonplant* and for the reassurance.

I'm having the op at Spire Parkway, Solihull through Healthier Weight, private. I wouldn't qualify for bariatric surgery on the NHS.

As an aside, I truly don't know how people cope with the stress and anxiety of waiting and jumping through loads of hoops with NHS bariatric services.

Wishing you a speedy recovery @Neonplant. Take care

Tbh the way I coped was agreeing to the referral way before I was actually ready and then going through with bits as and when and letting that help me decide I was ready. I was referred in Jan 2019! If I'd been ready then I would have gone insane waiting. But I just put it to the back of my mind, had more attempts at weight loss realised I needed this and then was feeling ready when I got my date. I'm also in my 30s so I don't feel like as the years progressed it was having a big impact on my health.

But I totally get what you mean re NHS. The care has been excellent but it's very a very long process. Is it your weight or previous band which means you wouldn't qualify? I've heard lots of good stuff about spire too.

My bmi just qualifies on the NHS as I have some minor underlying health issues which actually don't have a big impact day to say but do mean weight loss is almost impossible. I was actually surprised I qualified. But it has been good as for once in my life I'm 'small' haha! First time for everything.

But honestly re the anesthesia it's actually OK and it goes so quickly. I don't remember going to sleep, remember a tiny bit of recovery then you're probably asleep again. But it felt like seconds I was in the bed in anesthesia the awake in recovery with no sense of time passing at all. Like magic. Where as once I was in the ward and hasld a sleep I was aware I'd wiknen up from anesthesia and had been sleeping so wasn't panicking like wtf am I.

I have anxiety which I take meds for, if I can do it you can! Really look forward to hearing from you when it's all done! Xx

I've been checking on the thread to see how you're doing @RevisionSurgeryQ let us know how you're getting on.

Doing OK. Very dozy from the tramadol! I'm drinking aiming for a 1L to 1.5L if I can today. I know the goal is more than that but don't want to be sick so building up to it! I've had some small puree meals, like yoghurt type texture.

I was feeling a bit hollow and empty in my stomach like I needed food which I've got to be honest did freak me out. As there's all this talk of not feeling hungry. But I had a follow up call with the bariatric nurse and he said this is normal at the puree stage. As have several other people both medical professionals and people who've had surgery. He said not to over think! Haha! Easier said than done eh?

How's everyone else doing?

Glad to hear things are going ok @Neonplant.

I'm now finishing day 13 of LRD! Ready for it to be over and done with now. Feel a bit anxious, not so much about surgery, but life ahead. Did a Sainsbury's order for high protein yoghurts and lentil soup. Bag is packed. Just a waiting game now.

Good luck @Jubilate!!
@Neonplant you are giving me confidence that the after isn’t as bad as I’ve been. Panicking about. I’m a bit of a stresser and over thinker. LRD starts Monday and have to pay for my surgery too! Feels very real now. 😱

@Jubilate

Glad to hear things are going ok *@Neonplant*.

I'm now finishing day 13 of LRD! Ready for it to be over and done with now. Feel a bit anxious, not so much about surgery, but life ahead. Did a Sainsbury's order for high protein yoghurts and lentil soup. Bag is packed. Just a waiting game now.

Which surgery are you having and when? Sorry if you've already said. I'm dozy as!

Are you going via NHS or private? Any questions I can help with re early days I'm here. And I'm sure pp's can help with further out.

Honesty I ws dreading the surgery. I've never been in hospital before or had surgery. But it really wasn't as bad as I'd built it up to be. I was terrified of the anesthesia but it was fine. Don't remember going to sleep and then woke up really quickly. Had some meds from a lovely nurse in recovery then had a sleep on the ward for a few hours before waking up again. I was thinking if be in agony and vomiting etc but actually was just sleepy!

@Keepthefocus which surgery are you having? It's definitely not as bad as I expected. As I said to Jul I'm happy to help with any questions about the hospital stay and recovery if I can. Although not an expert like some pp it's fresh in my mind!

Hopefully we can help each other through over the coming months!

We can do this!

Thanks @Neonplant I’m booked for the sleeve. It’s a private surgery as there is no nhs bariatric care in ni. I’ll take any advice you have!!! How much are you “eating”? I thought about preparing broths in freezer in pucks so it’s easy to thaw just a small amount.

@Keepthefocus

Thanks *@Neonplant* I’m booked for the sleeve. It’s a private surgery as there is no nhs bariatric care in ni. I’ll take any advice you have!!! How much are you “eating”? I thought about preparing broths in freezer in pucks so it’s easy to thaw just a small amount.

Wow ok. I know not everyone rates the NHS but I've really been happy with my experience. Bar the wait. I had mine done at Sunderland who were on of the key hospitals who developed the surgery several years ago. They've been really on it I felt my surgon was excellent. Not even any real gas pain, which he said he normally avoids due to experience of doing lots of surgeries and removing the gas.

Not that your surgery won't be excellent. I just don't feel I've had second rate care as some people do.

I had a sleeve too. I'm actually doing quite well with my eating and drinking. I was quite busy in the fun up to surgery so bought protein yogurts, vegan protein shakes, soups, Tom juice and frozen mash /mash veg, baby fruit pouches, protein wheatabix, ice pops, plus protein powder. Plus pulses which I'm not going to try quite yet! My thinking on this is they can be quite gassy so I'll maybe wait a while to see what they're like. Perhaps a week or so and then do thin fijoles or humus.

I act wasn't prepared to still feel hungry at this point. But I do, however it's a really different type of hunger and is more of an empty feeling. But I spoke to my dietician before discharge and people online. Apparently its really common not to feel so much restriction on the liquid and puree stage.

Today I've had a vegan protein shake, half a cup of covent garden Leek and pot soup with protein powder and an arla protein yogurt with a bit of mango puree squirted into it. (still eating this)

I know I've heard if people doing lots of food prep and not using it. But I think it depends on your lifestyle and who you have around to help. If poss I'd get a few days worth and work out what is a hit for you. If you can fo an online order or send a partner or friend.

Don't know if I knew you were in NI @Keepthefocus! I am too. I know there are a few NI people on here but I can't remember user names.

What is your recommend diet? Mine was straight to puree. Where as some people have liquid first.

Ah hi @Jubilate it’s so disappointing there is no proper nhs option here my gp tried for me but she had no option to refer me as I haven’t any other co morbidities - yet! I tried for the Belfast hospital but they couldn’t give a date any time soon so I’m booked in Dublin. Pretty expensive tbh. But my GP has been so supportive which is helpful and reassuring she has lined up prescriptions and physios for after!
Where are you going? Did you manage to get through the nhs system?

@Neonplant yeah I think you are right! I’m going to be flat out getting work and family sorted before I go in I don’t think I’ll have much time!!! So I’ve ordered some organic bone broth, protein powders and waters, and I’ll get some protein yoghurts in. My other half can go to shops for me after that. I’m a liquid only diet for 2 weeks post, then purée , soft and finally food - with a protein first policy.
It sounds like you have had an excellent experience I can only hope for something similar!! 🤞. Gas pain is a worry I’ve had that with previous surgery (ectopic pregnancy) I’m hoping it won’t be too bad because my surgeon said the same as you - he’s done it so many times he does his best to reduce it!

Good morning everyone

My band to bypass surgery went well. I am in (surprisingly) far less pain than I thought I would be. Having undergone bariatric surgery previously with the gastric band, I knew what was in store to a degree, but this time, despite the fact that I have more incisions and it was a bigger operation, I don't feel as bad as before.

The amount of wind pain is much less this time and so far I've been able to fart which is a great release

The care at Spire was outstanding. My surgeon, Mr Rishi Singhal, was brilliant.

I am now on 2 weeks liquid diet followed by 2 weeks puree/mush before progressing to normal food.

@Neonplant - My GP told me that I wouldn't qualify on the NHS as my BMI is under 40 (not by much!) and I don't have high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes, although I was on track for it with the steady increase to HbA1c level. I do have other health problems exacerbated by my weight and I have been having problems with the band for a few years. As my GP said I wouldn't qualify, I didn't raise it again as I simply didn't have the mental/emotional reserves.

@RevisionSurgeryQ congratulations on ur surgery. Really pleased to hear how well it’s gone for you.
I think those who can get through the nhs system are very lucky I’d have loved to be able to do that sadly wasn’t an option me.
Rest and recover!!

[quote Keepthefocus]@RevisionSurgeryQ congratulations on ur surgery. Really pleased to hear how well it’s gone for you.
I think those who can get through the nhs system are very lucky I’d have loved to be able to do that sadly wasn’t an option me.
Rest and recover!![/quote]
Thank you @Keepthefocus I hope that everything is going well with your LRD.

I think it's great if people can get bariatric surgery via the NHS and in future I would hope to see it used more as a preventative to obesity related health issues.

Whilst I'd like to have not shelled out £12,500 for this surgery, I have had some bad surgery experiences via the NHS and would've been terrified to put my health and well-being in their hands, particularly during a time that they're massively over-stretched due to Covid.

I'm still triggered by being in an NHS hospital for a cholecystectomy which should have been straightforward, but was far from it!

I thought I'd give a quick update as I'm a year out from my gastric sleeve surgery

I've lost 42 pounds and I'm now a very normal (still overweight but not really looking it) size 14.

I have much less arthritic pain - I bound up stairs, run to catch buses in a way that I could only shuffle (and cry!) a year ago. A year ago I cried with pain climbing stairs, every step a shooting pain through my hips.

I have not 'dieted' since the day I had the surgery. I don't count calories, I don't monitor what I'm eating at all - this is something I had been doing for 30 years ! before the surgery.

My weight loss is very VERY slow - which is a good thing as my skin has sprung back.

I've only lost 6 pounds in the last 5 months. Since the day I had the surgery I have NEVER put on weight - my weight has only gone down (I only weigh every 2 weeks).

For the purpose of this post only (as it's a year) I've counted my calories over the last week - they are about 800-1200 a day.

This is exactly what I expected and wanted.

Before surgery I had dieted for 2 years and ate 1500 calories a day (and was absolutely starving every day and it was utterly MISERABLE)

Now I just eat what I want (chocolate and crisps when I was just never able to have them because of dieting) and let my smaller stomach do the work.

Yesterday I ate:

One slice toast and marmalade
2 meals of veg pasta - 6 pieces of stuffed pasta per meal (in an 8 veg sauce)
One large gin and tonic
2 bags Wotsits
6 pieces of Lindt hazelnut

At no point did I say to myself I can't eat more chocolate or crisps or pasta or gin. I just ate what I wanted.

I also took supplements- collagen drink/vitamins etc

The only thing that ever mattered to me was not living in pain and not dieting - I don't care if I stay a 14 (overweight) or end up an 8. I'm happy with my ability to walk, run, be comfortable in clothes NOW - any other weight loss is a bonus and makes walking even easier.

The only issue I've got is a personal one - I've not been able to go to the gym as work is too busy (this will change in January)

No idea if that will help anyone but if you don't burn many calories (and I'm not tall) then gastric sleeve can still work for you even if it takes a loooooong time to lose weight and weight loss is slow.

@LaurieFairyCake

Thank you so much for posting!

This bit really stands out to me:

The only thing that ever mattered to me was not living in pain and not dieting

That's what I want to achieve, with the added bit on top of not developing Type 2 diabetes.

As my weight has crept up following the onset of problems with the gastric band, the pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis has increased too. I'm looking forward to waking up in the morning and my first thought/feeling not being pain in various parts of my body.

I'd love to be within a normal BMI range, but if that means the top end BMI, I'm fine with that.

Congratulations and well done @LaurieFairyCake

@LaurieFairyCake thank you. I'm sitting waiting to get taken into surgery. Feeling very overwhelmed and worried for the future. Your post came at the perfect time. I also have no desire to 'diet', I worked hard to get to the point where I don't feel guilty about food, or try to restrict and your post genuinely was the best thing I could have read on this Saturday morning. Thank you.

All the best for your surgery @Jubilate

Having had my surgery a couple of days ago, I can totally understand you being overwhelmed.

You will be fine. I'm holding your hand virtually!

Oh I'm so pleased I posted today - good luck to you for today Jubilate - I hope it goes very well

And to you RevisionSurgeryQ for yours when you have it

@lauriefairycake Is that a normal day of food for you or an outlier? Hardly any protein? Please be careful. You're still in the honeymoon phase and will.put weight on if you keep eating crap.

I went into surgery knowing food would be an issue forever with a commitment to dump processed crap, the real evil not calories. It's a tool not a magic bullet. 27 months later here I am still very conscious of what I'm eating. Good luck newbies!

But I guess you mustn't have been very overweight if you've only needed to lose 42 pounds in a year. Good luck with the rest of your journey Laurie

@LaurieFairyCake

Oh I'm so pleased I posted today - good luck to you for today Jubilate - I hope it goes very well

And to you RevisionSurgeryQ for yours when you have it

I'm post surgery by 3 days