Surgery for medical reasons

[Pink Julie]

Has anyone else had gastric bypass for medical reasons, as opposed to weight loss? I’m having the surgery for GERD/2 x failed hiatal hernia surgeries /gastro paresis. I’m a bit chunky, so obviously losing weight would be a bonus! I’m very apprehensive about this surgery, but looking forward to feeling fit and healthy. Two of my concerns are losing too much weight and hair loss. I’m having the roux en y, but they’re removing the rest of my stomach. Has anyone else been through this?

 

[Pink Julie]

Thanks Diane, I’m feeling more positive now, and have complete faith in my surgeon. I’ve been struggling for 2 years now, so can’t wait to start feeling better.

 

[SusanEDS]

Has anyone else had gastric bypass for medical reasons, as opposed to weight loss? I’m having the surgery for GERD/2 x failed hiatal hernia surgeries /gastro paresis. I’m a bit chunky, so obviously losing weight would be a bonus! I’m very apprehensive about this surgery, but looking forward to feeling fit and healthy. Two of my concerns are losing too much weight and hair loss. I’m having the roux en y, but they’re removing the rest of my stomach. Has anyone else been through this?

Pink Julie, I am Having Gastric Bypass to address GERD and Hiatal Hernia as well. I have hEDS (hyper mobility Ehlers-Danlos which is a connective tissue disorder) so gastric bypass will give a much greater chance of success for hiatal hernia to remain repaired....we hope. I too look forward to weight loss! Thanks for posting, and I hope that you will update us as you move through your process.

 

[Pink Julie]

Hi Susan, I’m now 10 days post surgery, feel free to ask any questions.

I had gastric bypass, hiatal hernia repair and a partial gastrectomy. I had a tough time, I was in surgery for 6 hours and recovery for 4, and I woke up with a drain, a catheter and a feeding tube, none of which I expected. I was in hospital for 5 days. A couple of things I have noticed that you might be interested in:

I put on 7lbs while in hospital! My underwear was skin tight!
I have now lost 12lb since I got home
The pain has been much worse than I have ever experienced before, I have taken a lot of oxy to get me through
I needed to buy a shower chair
I needed to buy new, loose nightdresses to accommodate the feeding tube
I don’t like sweet things any more
My skin is very dry
My urine has smelled horrible since the surgery

I am feeling slightly better each day, and remain positive that the surgery was the best option, i’m just worried about losing too much weight, but I know the nutritionist will help me with that, so onwards and upwards

 

[SusanEDS]

Hi Susan, I’m now 10 days post surgery, feel free to ask any questions.

I had gastric bypass, hiatal hernia repair and a partial gastrectomy. I had a tough time, I was in surgery for 6 hours and recovery for 4, and I woke up with a drain, a catheter and a feeding tube, none of which I expected. I was in hospital for 5 days. A couple of things I have noticed that you might be interested in:

I put on 7lbs while in hospital! My underwear was skin tight!
I have now lost 12lb since I got home
The pain has been much worse than I have ever experienced before, I have taken a lot of oxy to get me through
I needed to buy a shower chair
I needed to buy new, loose nightdresses to accommodate the feeding tube
I don’t like sweet things any more
My skin is very dry
My urine has smelled horrible since the surgery

I am feeling slightly better each day, and remain positive that the surgery was the best option, i’m just worried about losing too much weight, but I know the nutritionist will help me with that, so onwards and upwards

Thank you for your honest reply. Although I’m in a honeymoon period, anticipating life without GERD and being “pain free” after the hernia is repaired, I know the risks are real.

I will continue to hold you in my thoughts and anticipate healing that surprises and delights you!

 

[Pink Julie]

Thank you Susan! We are all different and I know my situation is not normal. This is my 3rd hiatal hernia repair.

I am looking forward to feeling better and getting back to work, I love my job.

Have you already had a repair? And when is your bypass scheduled for?

Best of luck with your procedure.

 

[SusanEDS]

Thank you Susan! We are all different and I know my situation is not normal. This is my 3rd hiatal hernia repair.

I am looking forward to feeling better and getting back to work, I love my job.

Have you already had a repair? And when is your bypass scheduled for?

Best of luck with your procedure.

I am not yet scheduled because I have a spot on my pancreas that has to be addressed first. The biopsy on my pancreas will be later in May; however, I truly believe it is a “nothing.” Once the biopsy report comes back clean, and the other pre-op tests are completed, then the surgery will be scheduled.

I feel like it’s so close and about to be scheduled when something unexpected pops up. I know all of these steps are in the very best interest of my health.... yet I’m so eager to feel better.

 

[Pink Julie]

I will keep my fingers crossed for you, let us know how you get on.

 

[Pink Julie]

Have been back in hospital for 4 days with an infection around the feeding tube and a uti. Being discharged today, thank goodness

 

[Pink Julie]

Thanks Diane. I saw my surgeon on Wednesday and he was very reassuring. He said that all the things I have been experiencing are entirely normal, given the amount of surgery I had, and he said I will start to feel a lot better in the next 2 weeks. He is going to take the feeding tube out on June 3rd, so I am feeling much more positive now and looking forward to feeling fit and healthy again