Confused :(

[Lozer]

Does anyone regret there surgery?

I have the choice of band or bypass or nothing at all!! So I have a few questions

What can u eat and what can't u eat with band and bypass???

What about meals out?

What vitamins do u need to take with bypass?

I won't more children what would u say was the best one for that?

With the band can u eat meat? (Hubby a butcher) lol

Sorry bout all the questions. I will b asking my surgeon the same ones but wont ur experiences.

 

[top_kat]

Does anyone regret there surgery?

Not in the slightest do I regret my surgery. I am now almost 14 months post band surgery, heading towards being 11 stone down. I am the lightest I have been since I was 17. I'm heading into a size 12/14 top, 16 bottom. But even with the issues I am having with loose skin and the problems its causing, I still do not regret having my surgery. It hasn't only changed my life, its given me a chance to really LIVE my life.

What can u eat and what can't u eat with band and bypass???

I'm a bander so not commenting on bypass. Different providers will give guidelines, some may tell you not to eat pasta, rice, bread or have things such as fizzy drinks. Some providers allow you to eat anything if you can tolerate it. That is what my own advises. I've been battling for restriction for my band, so since surgery I've actually been able to eat whatever I wanted. Since my 9th fill and having found some restriction, it has changed slightly in that I now am not tolerating some foods - this has mostly been red meat (beef, lamb etc) but I can still eat chicken, turkey, pork, and all fish. Although 2 weeks on from my fill, this is also settling down some as I was struggling to eat things such as ham, but I was able to eat some yesterday. The fills and restriction may change what you can eat, but as it eases off, that tolerance will increase so there is a likely chance that there may be only a few foods that you may not be able to eat. Does this make me regret my band? Not in a million years.

What about meals out?

It is totally possible to have meals out - even if you're on mash stages, there's still ways of making choices to meet those needs. We ate out last night at a beefeater, I had salmon with bearnaise, potatoes and brocolli, went for that so I could mash it up a bit with the restriction I have and didn't want other people to see me struggling. I also had dessert.

You can choose smaller portions, starters and a side order if you want a small portion. Order a kids meal if you feel comfortable doing so. You can make food choices so you can eat out and you will find long term banders on here who've had it longer than I who eat out quite comfortable 2-3 times plus a week.

They do not stop you living. They do not stop you eating out or eating with friends.

I won't more children what would u say was the best one for that?

This one I cannot answer, but when I saw my provider they advised that if I were to want another baby, then wait at least a year with the band, but than it can be emptied out or defilled as needed. I did stress that I suffered from intense 24/7 sickness during pg and would that make a difference with sickness and the band - they advise it could be completely defilled if necessary.

With the band can u eat meat? (Hubby a butcher) lol

See my response above regarding foods, but yes I can eat meat. Some people find it harder to tolerate, Im now finding that its harder to tolerate red meat, but no problem with pork, chicken, turkey, meats such as ham, bacon, sausages, black pudding all are fine. And I know when the restriction eases a little I think I will be able to resume red meat too

NEVER apologise for asking questions - I spent 7+ years researching my surgery, making sure it was the right one for me. I looked into all the good things as well as the bad to make an informed and the right decision for me. Ask away! Its the only way you can get personal "living" experiences

 

[Tonibones10]

Does anyone regret there surgery?

I have the choice of band or bypass or nothing at all!! So I have a few questions

What can u eat and what can't u eat with band and bypass???

What about meals out?

What vitamins do u need to take with bypass?

I won't more children what would u say was the best one for that?

With the band can u eat meat? (Hubby a butcher) lol

Sorry bout all the questions. I will b asking my surgeon the same ones but wont ur experiences.

On the 25th of this month I will be 1 year post op bypass, I can eat everything in portions slightly bigger than a childs so I still eat out etc, I have polycystic ovaries and before my op I didn't have a period for 3 years but in the last 6 months ive had them every 3 weeks or so, so thats definitely improved, the tablets I take are lansoprazole, calcium, iron and a multivitamin (forcival) sometimes need to eat brazil nuts as my selinium levels drop alot but I do not for a minute regret my op its helped in so many ways and im far happier now than ever in my life ... I hope this helps you, good luck xx

 

[Lippyloirston]

Hi, I'm not really qualified to answers your questions as I only had my bypass 2 weeks ago. I'm sure a more experienced bypasser will come along soon. I just wanted to say that everyone that has gone through weight loss surgery has experienced your doubts and concerns. Do lots of research and and ask lots of questions! Good luck. X

 

[fjsinc]

8 month post op bypass and 8 and a bit stone down. I can eat everything. As for regret - you only regret the things you DON'T do. I have never regretted my decision post op, but pre op I was racked with doubt. Meat is not a problem, you learn to pick the cuts and the way you cook them to suit your needs. Portion size is small but not so small that eating out is a waste of money, lol. I eat out at least once a week and I either have a starter or I have a main and take some home, there is always something for me on the menu. I have a high tolerance to sugar, so can have a little something sweet if I fancy it. As for supplements I take a multivitamin tablet and a vitD spray. I plan to try for a baby when I am closer to goal, my providers advise is at least 1 year post op, but I want to leave it until I am 18 month post op (hubby not impressed, lol). I have met several bypass patients that have gone on to have children, and all have said that they experienced no problems connected to the bypass.

 

[Val]

Does anyone regret there surgery?

Only 2 weeks ago and so far so good..no regrets at all...

I have the choice of band or bypass or nothing at all!! So I have a few questions

I also qualified for a bypass, but being older I wanted a safer more gentle option :/

What can u eat and what can't u eat with band and bypass???
After band surgery its mainly liquid for 2 weeks, then mushy food, them crisper crunchier food to work with the band...don't know bypass

What about meals out?

My 2 daughters still go out for meals 3 years post band and they have 2 starters

What vitamins do u need to take with bypass?

With a band its a good multi vitamin

I won't more children what would u say was the best one for that?

my daughter had her band deflated so to speak to get pregnant and had no problems

With the band can u eat meat? (Hubby a butcher) lol

Yes Minced meat initially(when you go back to mushy and normal eating) but again both my girls eat small amounts of meat..one cannot eat Chicken the other can :/

Sorry bout all the questions. I will b asking my surgeon the same ones but wont ur experiences.

Can I add this is my personal experience others may vary according to their providers instruction..its a guide to help you that's all
Good Luck xxxx

 

[sarahrob]

Hi Lozer! I was banded at the beginning of august, so it's still very early days, but here are my thoughts for what they're worth.

Does anyone regret there surgery?

No regrets at all. I knew I had to do something before I killed myself. The op and the recovery went so much better than I could have imagined. I'm 4stone lighter and full of energy, and if I choose not to tell people I had the op they would never guess. It's been the best £7k I have ever spent and I only wish I'd done it earlier.

I have the choice of band or bypass or nothing at all!! So I have a few questions

What can u eat and what can't u eat with band and bypass???

I haven't yet reached restriction, so there is nothing I can't eat. When restriction kicks in I expect there will be foods I can't tolerate, but I would hope there won't be many of them.

What about meals out?

Most of my socialising is done over food - I eat out two or three times a week. I have a light bite or two starters, or I just accept that I won't finish a full meal! I eat pub grub, chinese, indian and tapas most regularly, and I just try to choose band-friendly options. I rarely have dessert, but occasionally do as a treat

What vitamins do u need to take with bypass?

Pass - as a bander I just take a daily multivitamin.

I won't more children what would u say was the best one for that?

Sorry - no idea!

With the band can u eat meat? (Hubby a butcher) lol

I've yet to find a meat I can't eat, which I'm pleased about because I love meat! I know some people struggle with tough or dry meats, so later on I may have to look more carefully at how I cook meat to keep it tender and juicy.

Sorry bout all the questions. I will b asking my surgeon the same ones but wont ur experiences.

It's good that you have thought through the impact and have questions. Any more then just ask, there is a wealth of knowledge on here

 

[Lozer]

Thank u for all ur replies it helps alot. I think I've been waiting so long and jumped through so meny hoops lost the 4.5st I had to and now it's all becoming real!
It doesn' help that my husband is now agenst it as he really won't another baby (he's 11years older then me) he thinks coz I've lost 70lbs on my own I don't need it and it not fair to make him wait a year for a baby. And all my friends have jumped on this band wagon also. ?
It's nice to read all ur positive replies so thank u x

 

[ClaireMarie]

Thank u for all ur replies it helps alot. I think I've been waiting so long and jumped through so meny hoops lost the 4.5st I had to and now it's all becoming real! It doesn' help that my husband is now agenst it as he really won't another baby (he's 11years older then me) he thinks coz I've lost 70lbs on my own I don't need it and it not fair to make him wait a year for a baby. And all my friends have jumped on this band wagon also. ? It's nice to read all ur positive replies so thank u x

I can't really answer your main question because I only had my bypass two weeks ago. So far so good though, I'm really happy.

I do however relate to having and unsupportive partner and family, in the end it's your body your choice and as far as I can see waiting to have a baby when you're lighter and fitter is best. I lost over six stones and everyone wanted me to do it by myself, I wanted a tool to help me keep the weight off long term and that's how I explained.


Best of luck whatever your decision. Xx

 

[Yvessa]

Regrets... Never ever. I can eat anything, have mu health and mobility and in all honesty I don't feel like I've been replymbed. This is my normal now and I'm happy with it.

 

[ThinnerJemima]

Greedy ol' me, I've had one of each.

I cannot stress enough, get a bypass over a band, in my opinion this is a complete no brainer.

An alien beastie inside you which is a right pain and restrictive on socials.

Or a bypass where you have a much more unrestricted life, no hunger as you have severed the nerve and remove the ghrelin, no faffing with the beastie. Longer term success, gold standard in wls, statistically higher percentage weightloss etc etc etc etc. But, vitamins & B12 jabs for life.

No brainer. Bypass (or sleeve) every time over a band.

 

[Banderbird]

There was no question in my mind of having a bypass, and I wasn't keen on a sleeve either. The bypass operation is quite major and involves considerable rearrangement of your insides. Also, both of those operations are irreversible. Once it's done, there is no going back. You also have to contend with dumping syndrome with a bypass, and have to be careful with things like alcohol. Many bypassers avoid it altogether.

I wanted the band because it gives you much more control. If I feel like it one day in the future, I can have it deflated, or even removed.

With a bypass or sleeve that will never be an option. Some might say, if you have weight loss surgery, why would you want to reverse it? Well maybe not, but everyone's situation is different.

I also disagree with this 'hierarchy' of WLS. They can all be very successful if you work with them, and there can be complications with all of them but it's by no means a given.

Choose carefully!

 

[flutterby1966]

Does anyone regret there surgery?

I have the choice of band or bypass or nothing at all!! So I have a few questions

I am a bander, over 2 years down the road. Over 11st down. Size 26-10/12 ... Very happy with my choice, so cannot compare to the bypass/sleeve option.

What can u eat and what can't u eat with band and bypass???

I can eat most things, just in smaller quantities. Around 1600 calories a day is my maintenance level

What about meals out?

I eat out on average three times a week, without issue (usually starter or child size portion and then if I am still hungry I share a desert

What vitamins do u need to take with bypass?

great thing about being a bander is not HAVING to take vitamins, because if a bander eats a balanced diet that shouldn't be a worry

I won't more children what would u say was the best one for that?

is there any difference?

With the band can u eat meat? (Hubby a butcher) lol

yep ... I have only eaten a steak once in the past couple of years but otherwise I can eat all meats just have to chew slowly and well

Sorry bout all the questions. I will b asking my surgeon the same ones but wont ur experiences.

Just ask lots of questions to make sure you make the right choice for you ... Good luck

 

[Roccosmummy]

Greedy ol' me, I've had one of each. I cannot stress enough, get a bypass over a band, in my opinion this is a complete no brainer. An alien beastie inside you which is a right pain and restrictive on socials. Or a bypass where you have a much more unrestricted life, no hunger as you have severed the nerve and remove the ghrelin, no faffing with the beastie. Longer term success, gold standard in wls, statistically higher percentage weightloss etc etc etc etc. But, vitamins & B12 jabs for life. No brainer. Bypass (or sleeve) every time over a band.

I have to agree. I've not had my bypass yet (January) however I've lived with a band for almost 10 years. At first I'd tap my little port and call it my best friend. I was ecstatic to lose 7 stone and get to goal. All this was short lived as my best friend turned into my worst enemy. I've had nothing but problems including a slip which was undiagnosed for 18 months. A reposition which turns out is in the wrong place and I've regained every pound :-(
I've not enjoyed a decent meal in 10 years and spent most days being sick and with nothing to show for it but a few skinny photos and a loft full of size 10's I've not worn in 7 years!!
I wish I'd had the money and the balls to have a bypass at the get go. I self funded back then and with all the aftercare ( and not very good aftercare) it's cost me more than a bypass and years of misery.
If you have the choice to band or bypass its of course yours to make. My advice would be to research the long term pros and cons and what your goals are. If I knew then what I know now I would save myself years of struggle and have the courage to bypass. Good luck which ever you choose.