I read about and researched gastric bypass surgery and the lap band procedure for about five years before I finally had my surgery. I thought I had learned everything there was to know about gastric bypass, but in the eight months since having my surgery, I have found that there are many things — and probably many more things yet undiscovered — to know about gastric bypass surgery.
- Drinking water — or any other kind of liquid — too quickly will result in the liquid your stomach pouch, then sloshing back up, causing you to have to vomit vigorously.
- You know that icky drop sensation you get in your stomach when you ride a roller coaster? It’s pretty much non-existent. I rode several roller coasters last week, including one with a 220 ft. drop, and they were almost disappointing since that sickening and thrilling sensation wasn’t there.
- Hair loss is common after weight loss surgery, but it will continue if you don’t keep your protein intake up.
- Speaking of protein, you will get sick of worrying about it. You will also get sick of how the protein shakes taste.
- Your sex drive will remain the same. It may even improve, since you’ll feel better and have more self-confidence. Your ability to orgasm, on the other hand, will decrease, due to hormonal imbalances, fluctuations and deficiencies.
- You will probably experience body dysmorphia. Despite weighing 200 lbs., you’ll see yourself and act as if you still weigh 300 lbs. You’ll find yourself shopping for a plus size swimsuit, when in reality you just need a regular one in a size XL (true story — this happened to me this summer!!!).
- The things you were self-conscious about before won’t bother you now; things that shouldn’t bother you now/never bothered you before will suddenly be a Very Big Deal.



I stumbled upon your blog…well, I’m not entirely sure how, but I thought I’d leave a comment. I had gastric bypass myself back in April of 09 (started out 370 and am now 225) and I have to agree with everything you states here. I’ve had all the same things happen with me (though, I’m not sure about the roller coaster as I’m too afraid to get on one), especially the body dysmorphia. Sometimes I walk past a mirror and get a shock because I honestly don’t feel like I look like that.