Bypass needed after the sleeve
by
, 01-11-2014 at 08:12 PM (1242 Views)
I haven't been on this forum for a long time because I am no longer a gastric sleeve recipient. I had to have a gastric bypass about 7 months after the sleeve. While I won't go into too many lurid details, suffice to say the sleeve initially was great but I developed complications. I had a hiatal hernia post sleeve but I still had the most horrendous reflux and developed ulcers which closed up my large intestine. Ballooning was tried 4 times but would not keep things open and I was literally starving. I only had 5 mm opening so I was vomiting every day because things wouldn't go through. It was horrendous and I came close to checking out permanently according to the doctor because of severe dehydration and malnutrition. Don't kid yourself because it can happen quicker than you think.
Usually ballooning works in these cases but because things wouldn't stay open, I had no option but to have a bypass and it saved my life. Not only do I never experience reflux now, but I never feel hungry. I have regained some weight in the 18 months since the surgery because I got too thin but my by pass is not quite as small as others, so I can eat a cup. I can eat most things and rarely vomit unless the food is too sinuous. I am not big on meat so that isn't an issue. but you will never see me drink another protein shake- I just can't face them.
The reason I am writing is because many people don't like the idea of a bypass. Like me they think they are a bit extreme, BUT if you even suffer a little reflux prior to a sleeve don't even think about a sleeve! Having slept for 6 months sitting up, believe me the luxury of lying down again was so welcome.
I have to say my doctor did advise the bypass in the beginning but I thought I knew better and I wouldn't listen, so it cost me dearly. I lost a great deal of hair about month 10, so I had to cut my hair to shoulder length and used clip in hair extensions until it started growing back.That was scary.
Now I am really well, so long may that continue. I wish you all well in your surgeries and weight loss.