Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss: Meet others & Share

@tsellhausen

Welcome Teresa. I am glad your starting some major life changes to get healthy.

What steps are you taking to prepare for possible surgery?

I have reduced my caloric intake (probably too much but I'm working on that), I'm eating high protein/low-carb foods, I exercise 3 times per week (by being at work), I've cut down on milk tremendously, I've increased my water intake, and I've also been doing intermittent fasting with 18 hours of fasting and 6 hours of eating time.

I have reduced my caloric intake (probably too much but I'm working on that), I'm eating high protein/low-carb foods, I exercise 3 times per week (by being at work), I've cut down on milk tremendously, I've increased my water intake, and I've also been doing intermittent fasting with 18 hours of fasting and 6 hours of eating time.

my name is Cheryl and I was obese since early childhood in the 60's. Had my first Stapling done in 1977 when I also had my gallbladder removed due to many stones. I was about 278 at the age of 21. At that time the surgery was very new and the staple line ran horizontally across the top of the stomach. We ate an ice cube of broth as a meal for the first month and attended a support group each week with the small group of us in the chicago suburbs. I lost about 100 lbs and felt amazing with my 5'6" frame. Over about 10 yrs though the weight slowly came back and I started having stomach spasms. I went to a new Dr in Houston who explained that the staple lines now were done vertically so food would not sit on and disrupt the staples. At the age of 30 and at 320 lbs I went in to have the staple line revised. When I woke from anesthesia the Surgeon told me that "it was like trying to suture a kleenex" since the stomach tissue had been so damaged. I developed peritonitis and was kept in the hospital for almost 6 months with many complications and eventually 3 more surgeries to try to repair the damage. I weighed 125 lbs at my release. I have been through severe esophagitis and within a few years, 8 mm of Barret's Esophagus. I learned to eat carefully, small portions and supplement with ensure. I've had scopes every year since for biopsies and several dilatations to reopen where scar tissue due to severe gerd, had closed up my throat. I've learned to recognize that familiar "taste" and pain when I have ulcers due to H-pylori and chug pepto bimol for the curative value of the bismoth. I've lived through so many "new" patented acid medications and still woke up every night with a stomach and throat full of bile and acid. My teeth have lost enamel from so much vomiting over the years. For about 20 yrs I slept when I could in a recliner. Now at age 65 I have lost 4" of height due to degenerative disc disease in my spine and my esophagus is essentially "folding" over itself causing yet another issue. Would I do it again? YES. My self-esteem stayed the same but OTHER"S estimation of me changed drastically. I got the promotions that were eluding my 300 lb person and learned so much about living that I otherwise never would have. We now have come so far with this surgery and the medications are finally giving some actual relief! My first few scopes were done in the Dr.'s office a bit of spray on the back of the throat and the command to "Swallow and Breathe". Now my combined EGD and Colonoscopy with a bit of propofol is the best sleep I get all year! I am happy to share that I AM the story of all that can go wrong, and I thank God that I was in Hermann Hospital with many experts available. I am happy to share also that the biggest change is phycological and secondary is the physical.

Hi! I just stumbled on your post and it caught my eye. I am Nancy. I had the RnY in 2004, then without warning or any previous symptoms in 2006 I had an ulcer that ruptured. I struggled for several years to recover and almost didn't. My weight would go up and down for no reason.. then I got active and went on phentrimine and topamax and got to my goal weight and stayed for a few years. It was amazing!! I was single for the first time ever in my early 40s having a blast! Then I met my dream man and got happy and complacant and stopped exercising.. had a few falls and started gaining weight. Then started having problems with the ulcers again and in early 2016 my surgeon went in to revise things and reversed them instead. I'm sure it was out of concern but jump ahead post covid and I find myself back up higher then before at 383!! Not able to stand for more then a minute or 2 .. not able.to wipe my own ads effectively.. and just in pain all the time. I saw a couple surgeons that wouldn't touch me. Then in April of this year I found myself back n forth to the ER. Hernia... so a wonderful doctor here at Mayo agreed to repair it and asked me if I had considered having my bypass redone!! Well within 2 days ahe had me signed up and starring classes!! I also started on Zepbound though the endocrinologist and since April 1 have managed to lose almost 60 pounds!!! Huge help. Well, yesterday was my surgery day and I did do it all over again. She had to do some things a little different because of scar tissue and dieing tissue but her plan is great and she assures me I will be able to lose the weight with the tools and the surgery they have given me. I am.so grateful to be able to have this second chance!! The years of happiness outway the moments and times of pain. N

I have to drink 200 ounces of water every day due to a kidney disorder. I get dehydrated very easily. Would this water intake keep me from being able to get surgery? I know you can only put so much into your stomach. I’m a newbie and have no clue.