Looking for feedback on Bariatric Surgery

nursenikki829

In the end, it is YOUR decision, and nobody can make it for you. There is a lot of negativity surrounding bariatric surgery, but it isn't all bad. My husband had gastric bypass in May of 2008 weighing 415 lbs. He has a huge family history of cardiac disease, and his MD suggested getting surgery before he could develop any of these problems. He had years of yo- yo dieting, and couldn't keep his weight off even with a very active, manual labor career. He was depressed, and it was negatively affecting our relationship. At the time we had a 6 month old and another on the way, so he made the choice for his health and for our family. He has never been happier. He now maintains between 250 and 260 (He is 6'3"). He takes his vitamins every day, eats a healthy diet and exercises and would have his surgery again in a heartbeat. It is a major surgery, but in some cases it is the right decision. Good luck in making your choice!

gorgeouss9

I have a very good friend who used to perform many bariatric surgeries. When I first met him, i'd ask him about the surgery. He won't perform the surgery on anyone unless they have tried (for 6 months, or more) to cut back on calories and eat healthier, and exercise. They should also lose a few pounds on their own, first. He used to say that most of his patients seem to have given up on losing weight on their own. I think right now he doesnt do this type of surgery anymore because he feels like patients use it as an "easy way out" and he's sick of people not trying hard enough and making excuses to have the surgery done.

I also know a lady who has had this done, mostly because she had (maybe still has some) medical issues that made it a must for her. She has had 8 kids and she was very obese. She has since lost weight, 50 pounds, but whenever I see her in social settings, she can barely eat. She can't enjoy foods as she used to. She says she sleeps a lot to keep herself from thinking about food. She doesn't seem to be happy.

I just would not recommend this type of surgery. Try to change your eating habbits, exercise a little bit at a time on your own, join a group in your community for this type of thing, and i'm sure you'll be happier.

tlsegar

I had the Lap Band on July 26, 2011. So far, according to my parent's scale (which I'm not sure I completely trust) I've lost 63 pounds since I joined MFP in April of 2011. 50 of those pounds after surgery. So I am pleased. A big part of that however, is being pleased with my own efforts.

Surgery is not a quick fix. It still takes a lot of hard work. Even though I physically can't eat the same amount of food that I could a year ago, I still have the responsibility to make good food choices. And although I am losing weight by sticking to low calorie food consumption, it is still important that I incorporate physical activity. Every day is a challenge and an opportunity to make the best choices. Some days are better than others. But it's important that I don't allow myself to wallow in the days that I slip up.

I will reiterate what others have said about being committed to making a lifestyle change. And I think a large part of that requires taking some personal inventory and figuring out what your personal food/weight issues are. Everybody is different. For me, I ate out of boredom and practiced poor portion control. I felt the Lap Band would be the best option to help me tackle that challenge. I also liked that it is reversible and adjustable. But I can't stress enough how important it is to realize and fully "get" what it means to have to change your lifestyle. I think you need to have realistic expectations of what effort you can put into and what you can expect to get out of it.

As far as risks, complications, and side effects, I don't think WLS is any different than any other surgery. There will be success stories and not so successful stories. There are always risks. There will always will be people who don't what they are supposed to and don't get the optimal results. And different people react differently to surgery period. My healing process was a lot longer than other people I knew who had the same surgery. It is what it is. But the best thing is to educate yourself about every aspect and decide if you are willing to accept those risks. It's a personal choice you have to live with.

Would I have been able to lose this much weight on my own? I ask myself that question often. The answer is I don't know. I do know that I have never been this successful with weight loss in the past. And I'm happy about that.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

dooberbug

Met with the dietician yesterday, and one thing we discussed really hit home with me... like many of us, I have gained and lost a bunch of weight. most recently, I've lost 20-ish pounds then plateau'd, gotten discouraged, abandoned the program, gained it back - I think I've done this 3 times in the last year. The 20-pound losses all felt great, but when I didn't keep losing, it was very difficult to stay on track. I needed the success/positive feedback from the scale to keep me motivated. I didn't give up quickly - the plateau's were a couple of months long, and I struggled to stay on plan, but eventually slipped back to old habits.

About 10 years ago I started WW and lost about 80 pounds over a two year period. I kept most of it off for the next two years. I was in the best shape of my adult life - I even finished a marathon! Then, disaster struck - I tore my ACL doing Tae Kwon Do. I have fibromyalgia, and the injury sent me into a flare, a downward spiral, and when I came up for air, I had gained back most of the weight. HOWEVER - the lesson to me from this is that I CAN develop good habits, but maybe I'm a slow learner - the two years on WW got me into the groove and I was able to maintain that groove even after I stopped dropping the weight.

With WLS, the loss is typically dramatic in the first 6 months, according to the dietician (and some of the folks who posted here), as long as you stick to the program and exercise regularly. For me, sustaining a downward trend is extremely motivating and helps me stay on track. So I'll be doing similar "work" as when I lost weight without WLS, but getting more results with the added tool of the WLS.

The dietician explained that the "tool" works best for the first 12 to 18 months, after which our amazing bodies adapt to the procedure and the "tool" becomes less effective. At that point, we become much more dependent on the eating and exercise habits we've developed since the surgery. I feel that WLS will be a successful tool for me based on my weight loss history and my desire to be active.

Anyway, as I read through this thread, I thought that this might provide a different perspective. From everything I've learned since I started researching WLS, it is SO NOT THE EASY WAY OUT! Old-fashioned diet and exercise is STILL the only way to drop the pounds. It's just a tool, that, when used properly, can help me be successful.

It's a very personal decision. For me reviewing my history helped me decide that this is an appropriate course for me. I'm looking at May for a RnY bypass, and I am so excited about this opportunity to improve my quality of life. I have a lot more living to do!

gorgeouss9

please watch this inspiring video:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45928413#45790527

wildon883r

I can't even believe that the medical community see's this as a viable medical procedure. For what its worth their are morbidly obese people that have had the surgery already and they are still deathly overweight. Have some self discipline and control what you put in your mouth. Good Luck. It pisses me off that they have clinics solely dedicated to these procedures. If you cut both legs off you won't be able to run away from home and that is the same principles used behind Bariatric constriction. Its not the answer.

Tropical_Turtle

Well as you will read if the Dr's do their job they will educate you that this is a lifestyle change. Some will tell you to do it the "old fashioned way" (only 3-5% who lose weight the "old fashoned way" keep it off) This is a TOOL not a cure, and does require work on your half. Change your relationship with food, and change up your life and get your mind in the game.

I had the sleeve done Aug 18, 2011 and I have turned my life upside down - but for the BETTER! I could not be happier, and I do not regret my decision. I had been on the losing it the old fashioned way many times, and finally I decided I needed a tool to help me get to where I needed and wanted to go.

I was 265 when I started my VSG journey, and currently almost 5 months out I am down 78 lbs, and under 190lbs! A number I thought I would never see in my lifetime!

It is not an easy choice, but just remember everyone is different, it is a journey, and it is not an easy way out.

kat65

I know two people who died from complications and one person who was successful in losing weight and one petson who lost weigjt, but has a whole slew of health problems from it, iWhat the drs don't tell you is that 60 percent of everyone who has had this done gains the weight back. In addition, people who have had the sugery for this have a shorter life span, but drs haven't figured out why. If you don't have an immediate medical problem, I wouldn't do it, this sugery is just a money maker for doctors.

Mama_CAEI

No personal experience, but I know 3 people who have had it done: two friends and a co-worker. My co-worker has had some complications. She had the surgery 2 years ago and still has difficulty eating. She was told it would go away after a few weeks, but 2 years later, every time she eats, she doesn't know if her meal will stay down.
One of my friends lost the weight, decided to get pregnant again and had her 3rd child, and is working on losing the baby weight again. Everything seems to be going very well for her.
My other friend could not afford proper after-care and lost too much weight, had to be hospitalized, and is finally getting back on track over 2 years later.
Finally, a friend's wife had it done 2 years ago in October. Her surgical site got infected and she succumbed to necrotizing faciitis two years ago last week.

Definitely not something to be taken lightly. I wish you the best, whatever your decision may be.

ngory07

I had VSG Jan 2011. Best thing I ever did for myself. I'm in my early 20s but have been obese since I was 14. I'm not saying its for everyone but it has helped me. I started at 304. I am now down to 154.2. At a yr out I can eat more than I could before so you do have to make better choices and put effort into it. But for me this last year was easy. I honestly didn't have to watch whatt I ate but now that I realize I can eat more I have decided to be healthy not just get smaller. Look into why you eat. I have a food addiction. I realize this and the surgery did not help with that part. I can't eat much at one sitting but I can snack every hr or so which would pack on the lbs. So I eat my 3 meals and add in 2 or 3 good for me snacks. But I do not deprive myself. If I want a treat I'm gonna have it. I just watch my portions. Good luck on your journey!! You CAN do this!! Feel free to add me as friend.

Mary2270

I have had the full Roun Y Gastric Bypass Laproscopically (?). I have had very little complications. I personally needed to have it done. I needed to come to "The End of my Rope" and take all excuses away as to why I haven't lost the weight. It has grounded me mentally so that when I start to gain, I now look at the issue as to why I am gaining. I was at 407# at my heaviest in October 2008. I lost down to 236#'s. Then I started testing the waters, drinking soda, etc. I was afraid of all of the attention that I got when I was "skinny". I gained back to 300# before I said, "Enough is enough." I went through all of the pain, etc, I will not gain any more weight back. I now log everything that goes into my mouth, trying to get completely off of soda, and have settled my "issues" with teh attention. I have had several years of eating therapy (about 3 years). I was a Binge eater. I have finally realized mentally that the surgery is just a tool. I heard it over and over and swore that I would never gain back the weight. However, I didn't realize just what "A tool" meant. There is so much more avaialble for support now than in 2008. This sight is wonderful for support, I also have found several other sights.

Work on making up menus to follow after the surgery recovery time is over. Follow it as much as possible. I have 9 weeks of menus completed that I cycle through. I would be happy to share them with anyone as a starting point. ALWAYS check with a nutritionist to make sure that you are getting in the right balance for you.

philOHIO

DON'T DO IT!!!!! Reason why ---> doesn't address the psychological factors that got you overweight in the first place. WHEN you lose weight post-op, you will lose fat AND MUSCLE. Your body will eat itself... then you will gain it all back as FAT.

beach_bum_gurl

DON'T DO IT!!!!! Reason why ---> doesn't address the psychological factors that got you overweight in the first place. WHEN you lose weight post-op, you will lose fat AND MUSCLE. Your body will eat itself... then you will gain it all back as FAT.

Please educate yourself before posting.

All Bariatric Centers of Excellence require their patients to undergo psychological evaluation prior to surgery and many patients continue therapy after surgery to address the underlying psychological issues that result from successfully losing weight after a lifetime of obesity.

I am over 5 years out from RnY. Please look at my profile picture. Do I look like I have gained my weight back as FAT (I started at 312 pounds)???

shandylynn

I had Roux N Y laporascopic done 10/25/11 and have lost 48 pounds in 2.5 months since then.

I struggle with the psych portion of the lifestyle changes. I should probably be seeing a counselor but don't. But I wouldn't change anything. I'm just surprised at how much lack of control I feel over my body. Yet, I can follow the rules and lose weight and feel great at the same time.

It is definitely something that requires much forethought. And much committment.

emdeegan

Have you tried consulting a nutritionist and getting you on a certain eating plan and exercise plan?

I have... also Drs, a trainer and a short time with a psychologist to boot.... I still believe I could do it on my own.... but I'v been believing that for 15 years and I'm being forced to face the fact, that although I believe I can, I'm not able to do it.

if you still believe you can do it on your own, do it on your own. find a method that works for you and stick to it..

tdhlawyer

I'm sorry but the eat less. exercise more, you're fat because you have no discipline is bull****. PLEASE look into Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes, Please go to www.dietdoctor.com and look for the video from Dr. Mary Vernon. She is a Bariatric specialist that is having a lot of success with LCHF. Please look into this as it may just change your life.

epiphany29

I know you have had lots of feed back already. I personally had Lap Band surgery over a year ago and have lost 100 lbs and counting. I joint MFP to track things and keep up with it and it helps (mostly because i hate logging bad food choices). I don't exercise as much now as I did before I hit the 100 lb mark because at that point I bought myself a horse and my time goes into working with her. I have a good friend who had the sleeve and she took off the weight a lot faster than I did and she doesn't ever feel hungry or crave sweets. I think if I had it to do over, I would consider the sleeve more seriously than I did.

I know that I spent 20 years trying to lose weight and only gaining it. It is an appropriate choice for many as statistics say that less than 5% of people who lose weight the "old fashioned way" are able to keep it off for 5 years. Bariatric surgery isn't perfect. It's a tool not a cure. Used properly with lots and lots of support it can change your life.

Look for a program that offers you nutritional counseling with a registered dietician who understands bariatrics, and support groups and long term follow up. Thats the real key to sustaining the weight loss.

AdymondNtheRuff

I had it 2009 it was the best thing I have ever done I had absolutely no complications at all, I still have my gallbladder, have gained 15lbs and lost 8. I just watch the people around me and refuse to get any bigger... I have seen many gain a lot of weight I just rap my mind it all day!

CornbreadCountryFed

Hi, I wanted to let you know that I used to be all about that surgery, I even wanted it for myself, till working on a surgical unit for the past 2 years and seeing all of them... Roux en-Y, Loop Gastric, and the Lap Band as well, I strongly do not recommend it. With any procedure you have done there will always be a chance that problems will occur, I have had a patient that was in perfect health except for his weight and have the roux-en-y and come back to the ER and code...he was only 28. I have so many horror stories I could go on about but I can tell you my cousin did have it done and she looks great, however she can handle meat, bread or beer or rice and her hair is thinned out bad. I would just give it a little more time...After surgery you will only be able to have a shot size glass of ice chips for a while and they really limit YOUR prefrence of foods...I could never handle being able to do that...Please think about it, best wishes for what ever you decide to choose!

sonician1974

I'm sorry but the eat less. exercise more, you're fat because you have no discipline is bull****. PLEASE look into Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes, Please go to www.dietdoctor.com and look for the video from Dr. Mary Vernon. She is a Bariatric specialist that is having a lot of success with LCHF. Please look into this as it may just change your life.

I just wanted to add a +1 to this. I've been on a strict very low carb (<20g/day) and high fat (60% of my caloric intake) and I've dropped 31 pounds now in 43 days, with no exercise at all. This doesn't include the 9lbs I gained and lost in that time as well. Purely a change in diet. NO diet has ever worked for me, except this. It's an easy switch and the payoffs are HUGE.

This is a great summary of information (technical and non-tech) that can assist you:
http://josepharcita.blogspot.com/2011/03/guide-to-ketosis.html