Bariatric surgery approval

[Lunarises]

Hi I've been approved for the bariatric surgery nervous been waiting 6 years for this day to finally come so also excited. But I don't no if I want the sleeve or the bypass could I have some advice on people's experiences please I will obviously also be speaking to my surgeon about it all but I'd just like some advice thankyou ☺️

I had a bypass 25 years ago.
The bypass is a bigger operation. Helps with hunger more than the sleeve. (With the sleeve you still get hungry but your hunger is satisfied more quickly).Bypass also reduces absorption offood/calories.
Less likely to have heartburn issues after bypass)
People who have had bypass on average lose more and maintain the loss more successfully. Although some regain either way, it's not a magic bullet. Alcohol problems are not uncommon after bypass but I don't know about sleeve. Due to replacing one form of self medication with another.
I'd recommend bypass if you have the choice

Thank you for that. Can I ask if you've had any problems after your bypass? Like any complications ect

I considered this surgery

Then I did mounjaro

I have lost so much weight
Please consider if you can?

I had a gastric sleeve and lost about 7 stone. This was about 3 years ago. My hair fell out due to the quick weight loss but no other side effects or complications. I wish I’d done it sooner to be honest.

No complications, as such.
My gallery bladder was removed at the same time, as I was advised that rapid weight loss increased the risk of gallstones and subsequent pancreatic issues.
I have a very low tolerance still for red meat - more than a tiny amount leaves me nauseated. I vomit if I eat too much (very rare now) but mostly it's like (and always has been) more like a baby possetting, with undigested food coming back rather than acidic unpleasant part digested food. Vomiting can happen with either op.
I take various supplements including b12 injections because of malabsorption. And, for a long time, I was drinking far too much. Never physically addicted in that missing a few days made me ill but a bottle of wine a night for many years. Some definitely do become full blown alcoholics though. Probably a genetic thing as to whether that's a risk or not.
I would say it's definitely worth joining a group (fb or similar) to share support and experiences

I would love the Injections but they don't do in my area on nhs and unfortunately I can't afford them 😢

Comments on bypass from the one person I know that had one:

brought up major underlying issues as could no longer self medicate with food
ended up malnourished because they ate crap and didn’t get any nutrients absorbed
also reduced absorption of medication - a positive in this case as they turned to alcohol : drugs for self medication.

have to be honest - they should never have had surgery, as a family we didn’t understand what the over eating was hiding and they had bugger all MH assesment before it.

I had a sleeve on 14th of this month!

i don't regret it at all, I'm already 20lbs down!

it's been quite a steep learning curve though, and I'm still trying to re train my brain. It takes time!

pack pads, the operation triggered a period for me apparently that's quite common.

take mouthwash to hospital. When you can't eat or drink after coming round it's lovely to swill your mouth out.

take a water spray and wet wipes to freshen up before you can shower

Thank you it seems to be the sleeve has less problems than the bypass. What's your update now? How are u feeling now?

It seems crazy that the NHS would pay for an operation rather than the jabs. I know you say you can't afford them but have a good look at what you're actually spend your money on, food wise. Count up all the alcohol, snacks, meals out, takeaways, sweet things. Your taste for all of those will completely go.There is no way anyone puts on a lot of weight without spending money. I'm saying this as someone who has lost 4.5 stone on the injections.

I’m quite shocked that someone would consider this surgery at this stage without trying WLI first. The cost will be offset by savings on food, drinks, takeaways (if you have them). I’ve lost over 4 stone and my shopping savings easily cover the cost. If you can scrape together £110 you could just try a month and see how you find it. Is there anywhere else you can make savings to get started?

Have you factored in the costs associated with surgery, hospital parking, loss of wages maybe?

I agree with pp that it’s madness the NHS will fund surgery but not WLI, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying WLI yourself if there is any way you can afford it.

I don't have alcohol and I don't have takeaways as I can never afford them lol I eat 1 meal aday and calorie count due to an ED. This Is exactly what I said to the Dr I can have life altering surgery but I can't have injections lol makes zero sense tbh