Weight Loss Surgery--I CANNOT Believe I Am Posting This!

Justice2012

Well I posted this on my wall, and have not received any feed back yet...so I thought I would try my luck here.

Alright....well I just found out that my new insurance plan DOES cover lapband and gastric bypass and the sleeve with very minimal cost to me. I looked it up and some people who have the same insurance I do, paid only $500 total. So I was sort of looking into it. There is a class that you take once a week for 24 weeks (so about 6 months)...anyway, I am sort of looking into it. Not seriously yet, but sort of just checking things out. Would anyone consider this option if they were having a super hard time losing weigh on their own? That is where I am at. It is just soooo hard to do it. Just looking for feed back.

skywa

My aunt did it and lost like a 100 lbs in less than a year.

Justice2012

There are some requirements that must be met. For example......you have to be at LEAST 100 pounds over weight. Which I am since I am only 5'2 and weigh about 230. Your BMI has to be at least 40, and mine is 42. You also have to have some issues or problems to your health in order to be considered...well I have high cholesterol too. So I am a good candidate. For me to lose 100 pounds is a LOT! I feel so overwhelmed...that is why I am looking into this.

supertracylynn

Are the classes on how to maintain your future healthy weight?

I know several who gained Everything back afterward, that's why I ask.

marialerondon

I've known people who's done it, some succesfully others not much.
The reality is that either using the traditional weigth loss methods or having surgery you HAVE to change your eating and fitness habits if you want to remain at a healthy weigth. Otherwise you'll lose everything.
The benefit of the surgery though is time, is a lot more quicker when you ahve lots of weigth to lose.

Good luck!

kelley_lynn

i still looking into it. but by the time, it comes around, i may have done it on my own

sara_m83

Keep in mind that these are massively invasive surgeries, the latter of which involves major and permanent alterations to your vital organs. I would strongly suggest you try it the hard way first.

astrand1800

my opinion only. I don't judge people their choices.....
I have watched a friend go thru the whole process over the last 2 yrs. She got a lap band and based on observation and talking with her I would not do it myself and here is why...

1. I could lose 30 lbs if i was on only a liquid diet for 10 weeks. (over a month of that is BEFORE the surgery) she was miserable.

2. She has had many side effects....horrible constipation, vomiting with no warning when trying to swallow a bite of food, hair is thinner, she does not look healthy

3. She has gained weight back...not all of it but some. It does not fix the problem of eating unhealthy things.

I will say also that she does not regret her decision to do it. I am happy she is happy with the outcome but I believe she could have achieved the same results without the surgery.

Justice2012

Yes the classes are for maintaining weight loss, and also an evaluation, psych evaluation, etc etc etc. All these things to make sure you are qualified.

I understand that I need to change my eating habits and fitness habits......but like I said, losing 100 pounds is overwhelming. It is like I need a jump start of some sorts to get me moving in the right direction. The reason I am considering it is because like I said my insurance covers it...and I just pay a very small percentage of it...so in the end I will not lose a whole lot of money if I gain it all back.

I feel weak...you guys who are doing it the natural way are strong and brave. I know this is the easy way out.

josiesumerlin

I know a few people who have done it the younger you are the faster you heal but I heard you have to take a supplement for the rest of your life? The older people I know that did it took longer to heal and threw up allot! My young friend is really really happy but has some loose skin. It's all a personal choice and you only get one life to live, I would just ask yourself how many years have you spent over weight and do you want to take a supplement the rest of your life things like that. I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you.. Good luck..

TDGee

You are having success with what you are doing. Why try an invasive procedure to try to hurry things along? You are doing it. You didn't gain your weight overnight, you did it gradually over time. You need to examine what your motivation for losing weight is, are trying to get healthier, eat right, exercise? If so, continue doing that, it's working.

I have taken care of many people who have chosen the surgical route. For many, it's been a pretty good thing. For others, it was life ending.
For the really unfortunate ones, it meant the rest of their lives suffering and in a great deal of pain. Many of them could only hope their suffering would end.

The Dr must legally go over the risks and benefits of a surgical procedure. There have been enough bad outcomes to generate statistics for each one. Are you willing to risk, (Even through no fault of your own or the medical team), becoming a poor outcome to speed your weight loss up by a few months?

Umeboshi

Just...don't do it. If you really want to lose in that way, ask your doctor about a very low calorie diet plan instead. Surgery is dangerous, and the only thing any of those surgeries will do is reduce your stomach capacity and hunger. The actual cause of the weight loss is based on a very low calorie diet that's planned around the surgery. Either way, VLC diets aren't very healthy for you... it's best to lose weight slowly and make a sustainable lifestyle change.

I know it's frustrating to lose slowly. I am also 5'2", and currently at 260 pounds. My health is okay and only getting better as I lose weight. I did not NEED surgery or a very low calorie diet to lose these 30 pounds. I don't need it to lose the rest. It's important to remember there are a LOT more risks from surgery compared to slow weight loss from reasonable diet and exercise. Are all of those risks, including the risk of death, really worth the quicker weight loss?

ohnuts14

I guess it really depends on each individul persons situation. My personal opinion, is that it should be an absolute last resort. Weight loss is difficult, but the question is... why did we gain weight in the first place? Why did we get to the place we're in? Getting this surgery will help you lose weight, because you will hardly be able to eat. You can do that without the surgery though. The surgery just makes it easier for you to do that. If you're not careful you can stretch your stomach back out. The question is, will you be able to maintain good habbits? I know a few people who had the surgery, who successfully lost A LOT of weight in the first year, but after that began to gain it back, because they couldn't break their bad habbits. Weight loss surgery is an absolute last resort, for people who tried absolutely everything, and feel it's the only way. You're pretty young, and I don't think this is something you should turn to right now. Again though, this is just my personal opinion. I don't know what your life is like. We're all trying to lose weight but our situations can all be very unique and I won't pretend to understand what you're going through. In the end, you're going to make the choice you feel is best for you. Personally I would not consider this option, because it is invasive surgery and with all surgery there are always risks. The risks are minimal but still, even that one in 50,000 chance is scary to me. I've proven to myself that when I REALLY REALLY REALLYYY crack down I can lose the weight. The hardest part is motivation. If I were to get the surgery, that's not going to stop binges, that's not going to stop me from eating bad food, that's not going to make me eat healthy. Only I can do that. It's healthy to explore any and all options though, and it's good that you're asking around about it. I just hope this isn't something you feel you have to resort to just yet! You're only 30. Weight loss is extremely difficult but I believe you can do it without the surgery!!! Weight loss can be overwhelming, especially when you have a lot to lose, but if you just keep working at it, you will. It's not about how fast you lose, I know it's hard not to think that way, you want it to just be gone, but this surgery doesn't come without its down sides. Try to be patient with yourself, and just be persistent! Don't give up. Keep pushing through the tough spots and you'll find it gets easier!

supertracylynn

Www.shapelysecrets.com is where I got all the info to start me in the right direction.

I didn't take any supplements, I didn't feel hungry, and it taught,e how to eat better.

(now, if I could just start back with it myself....)

Justice2012

My weight gain was not because of emtional eating.

I have been on meds (anti-depressant and anti-anxiety) for a very long time...years. So that is what caused the major major weight gain the past few years. The meds will kill you if you do not try to do something about it. On one hand they help me with my mood, on the other hand they were killing me. Now I take newer meds which do not cause weight gain as much....but I still have 100 pounds on me that are extra from the old meds. It just sucks! I miss the old me that I used to be

Justice2012

I guess I still feel that the weight gain is not my fault......I blame it on the medications. So that is why I feel the surgery is for me. My story is a little different. I was taking very strong meds for a while to balance me out.

Johnny_Castle

when you think about it 100 pounds is not that much...you can safely lose that in 50-100 weeks=1 to 2 years...trust me losing 1 pound a week is very easy actually

GeneaCindy

Surgery is a big step - there are risks with any major procedure. There would be nothing easy about it. And you still have to do the "natural" way after your surgery in order to keep it off.

I wouldn't look at it as having to lose 100 pounds. Set realistic mini goals that you can meet - one pound a week. In 52 weeks, you will have lost half of the 100 you would like, and your BMI would considerably better. And you won't need to lose the 52 pounds before you start to feel better and see results. Take that $500 and "pay" yourself $5 for every pound that you lose. You'll have some money for new clothes when you reach your goal!

Trust me, I've thought about it too. I'm too "weak" to do the surgery.

Lozze

First off stop making excuses for why you're heavy. Yes there are reasons. We all have reasons. Blaming something isn't going to change anything and negativity sucks. (this is from someone who has suffered years of depression too)

Second in four months I have lost 47 pounds. I used Jenny Craig. If you truly, truly feel you need a kick start look into something like that first. It's a kick start, makes it easy and you don't have to drastically alter your body. It's not the best option. (I'm aware of that) and ppl here will tell you it's crap but it's been a big help for me.

Yes you will lose weight on surgery but you won't be able to eat what you want, you'll be sick and there are chances you'll put it back on anyways. I truly believe the cons far outweighs the pros.

ohnuts14

I have hypothyroidism. That has made it very difficult for me as well. It's not my fault that I have this condition, it's so bad that my thyroid is barely functioning and eventually I may even have to get it taken out, which will make it that much easier to gain, and that much harder to lose. The thyroid controls the metabolism, so mine runs very slowly. But it still runs. And I can still lose the weight when I work really hard. As for anti depressants, they can cause weight gain for several reasons, but they do not make it impossible to maintain or lose weight. Just harder. Whether it's medication, or a health condition, just because it wasn't our fault doesn't mean we can't be in control. I've been on anti depressants as well, I was on anti depressants all through out high school, into college, and I kept gaining and gaining, but even when I was on the meds, if I ate REALLY well, REALLY watched my calories, and made sure I exercised atleast an hour a day, or even half an hour if I really didn't have the time, even then, I'd STILL lose weight, with both things working against me. Seeing as how I have this condition, I have to work a lot harder to lose the same amount of weight as someone without this condition, but it's not impossible. It just takes more time and effort. It may take longer but that's okay. It's not about how fast I lose it. As long as I lose. The same goes for medication. It's harder, it makes it A LOT harder, but not impossible. Maybe someone else in your situation will lose 3 lbs a week, where you will only lose 1 lb a week doing the same exercise and diet, but you'll still lose. As a few other people mentioned, the surgery has some risky side affects, some of which can be permanent. You are in control, you just have to fight a little harder than most. Weight loss surgery only makes you lose weight because you're practically starving yourself. That is the sole reason for the weight loss. If you're not an emotional eater and you feel you're totally in control of your diet as you suggest, then you can restrict your calories without the weight loss surgery. Right? Because that's the ONLY reason the surgery makes you lose weight. If diet isn't a problem for you, as you suggest, then why would the surgery, which only affects your diet, make a difference?

taso42

Is there any physical reason that you can't lose this weight on your own other than "it's hard"?

psych101

It sounds to me like you've already made up your mind.

You know it's taken me a while to lose close to 120lbs, but I wouldn't trade the journey or the process for anything. During this time I've discovered how strong and capable I am, I've developed self confidence and have taken control of my life. I've leant alot about myself during this process and I love my healthy, fit, sexy life! I'm not going to credit any stupid surgery - I did this, ME! I am my greatest accomplishment!

Sure, you can have a medical procedure and completely alter the way you live your life for the rest of your days, or you can change your life yourself and gain so much pride and respect for yourself that way. So the pills made you put on weight, so what, you have the power to change your own life for the better.

Don't choose the knife. Do it slowly, live a health filled enjoyable life. I've done it, so can you.

Pebble321

I guess I still feel that the weight gain is not my fault......I blame it on the medications. So that is why I feel the surgery is for me. My story is a little different. I was taking very strong meds for a while to balance me out.

Only you are going to be able to take this decision - but it doesn't seem to me to me one that should be made lightly. For what it's worth, here are my thoughts on the matter:

I believe it is pretty major surgery with a reasonable chance of unpleasant side effects.

If the main reason you think you might do it is because it's free (almost)..... is that a good reason? Only you can decide that, but for me that's a bit worrying.

If your weight gain is from medical intervention which didn't work out the way you want, looking to medical intervention to fix the weight problem sounds like a risky strategy.

I know it seems overwhelming when you have a lot of weight to lose. I started out wanting to lose around 50 pounds and I honestly didn't beleiee I could do it. That was in January and here I am in December 45 pounds lighter. It hasn't always been easy and I've certainly fallen off the wagon more times that I can count. But, persistance has seen results for me and I bet it could for you too. Focusing on the end point (which might seem invisible) is depressing. Making a short term goal ("I am going to eat healthy snacks today" or "I am going to walk for 20 mins today") is much more likely to bring you success in the short term. Then, before you know it, those small achievements will have added up to a BIG success!

Good luck with making this decision.

StacySkinny

I would never recommend WLS for anyone who has less than 100 lbs to lose.

Here's the deal with Weight Loss Surgery - most people who get it gain the weight back within 5 years. Because WLS doesn't address the problem. It forces you to eat less, but doesn't get to the heart of the issues of why you are over weight nor does it teach you how to eat normally for the long run.

venetianz

I though you were going to say you weigh 400lbs but only 230? My little piece of advice is. I was 133 pounds last year this time, I am now 196lbs. It took me 12 months to lose 37lbs and i am really happy about it. Try to look up a diet that the people who have gone through with the procedure are eating now, because i know they are forced to eat smaller portionsa, not by choice. Try to eat what they eat for the next 12 weeks and see if that wont help you lose atleast 20lbs, if it works, stick with it you will not need the surgery, i really hope you dont go through it because honestly being 230lbs is not that big

runs4zen

I have actually had weight loss surgery, so...

You may want to actually talk with people who have had the different surgeries and learn from their experiences. Not all surgeries for weight loss are gastric bypasses. There is the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (not a bypass, and the surgery I had); the lap band; or, either of the two main gastric bypass surgeries to choose from. Talk to a weight loss surgeon who does them all to get the best information.

For myself, I lost 127 pounds and have easily kept it off for over a year. I have had no lasting ill side effects, scarring, etc. The surgery was done laproscopically and was not some dramatic event whereby I was slit from end to end and in the hospital for weeks. I no longer have apnea, a fatty liver, a swollen spleen and/or asthma.

I have entirely changed my eating habits and exercise habits because that's what it takes to be successful in the weight loss arena with or without surgery. Having the surgery was--and continues to be-- a great tool but it isn't a panacea. I diet and exercise like everyone else, only, I have some advantages on my side now that allow me to maintain the weight loss I could never maintain before.

I'm happy to talk to you privately and to steer you toward some informative websites. Do your research, understand your options, understand what your life will be like afterward, talk to people who have been successful and unsuccessful in the WLS arena and then make your decision!

In my opinion, it's a personal path and not something to leave up to strangers to talk you into or out of in a public forum.

Good luck!

TenderBranson

Is there any physical reason that you can't lose this weight on your own other than "it's hard"?

This^

If you go on to get the surgery with this mindset you're just going to gain back any weight that you lose anyway...Quit making excuses. It's up to you, you can get where you want to be of you do what needs to be done.

How are you gonna try and take a shortcut when you've hardly put in any effort into doing it yourself?

ccmccoy09

I see you've already lost 12 pounds. That's a great start! How long has it taken you to lose 12 pounds? Are you sticking to your healthy eating plan? Logging your food, drinks and exercise honestly?

Natural weight loss is a long process and is a long-term solution. WLS is a quick fix and comes with all sorts of quick-fix problems, including surgical complications, regaining the weight, and the very common overly-stretchy skin. It can also bring increased depression, especially if you LOVE food (like so many of us do!) and loss of identity. Talk about this possibility with your mental health provider.

A couple more thing to reflect on as you make your decision:
1. You were embarrassed to post this and are quick to explain the reasons WLS is right for you even if people don't agree with it. Why are you embarrassed and defensive?

2. Just because it's covered by insurance and/or pushed by your doctor doesn't mean it is safe and appropriate for you, or that you should do it. Money makes the world go round, and the medical field is no different. Major pharmaceutical companies pay a lot of money to make sure their products are promoted by docs and covered by insurance. Remember how "safe" and widely-prescribed Fen-Phen was? See also, Vioxx, Yaz, Depakote, Bendectin.

Do what's right for you. If that happens to be WLS, embrace your decision. It's your body!

riccoismydog

Please think long and hard before you do this!!!

I know three women who have done this. All require B-12 and other vitamin therapy's.

All of them have saggy skin.

Two of them look fifteen years older than they are.

None of them are fit.

You can do this on your own. If you were so obese that you were in danger of hurting yourself by exercising, then I would say go for it. Or in other words, if your weight was so high, that you were disabled by it. That is who this surgery is really meant for.

Obviously you want people to tell you the truth or you wouldn't have posted this.

Eat healthy, exercise. Just be healthy. You cannot be healthy while only being able to consume a small amount of food for the rest of your life.

thankyou4thevenom

I'm going to add this in. Any type of surgery no matter how minor involves the risk of dying, This can be from blood clots, allergic reactions to the medicine or negligence. It's incredibly small but it's there and you need to factor it in.

I would also add it's taken me two years to lose my 36 lbs. I wish it was going quicker but it isn't and it can be done. Weight loss is incredibly hard but it has taught me how to eat and that actually I'm worth all this effort.

And in fact if you're not willing to put the time and effort in before hand you're not going to lose it all and keep it off afterwards. I know a couple of people (here comes the bro science) that have had weight loss surgery and failed to keep it off because they aren't putting the effort in. They aren't constantly challenging what they know or pushing themselves. You still have to make the choice to lose. The surgery can't do that for you.

Babieseverywhere

I started at your weight just 10 weeks of better (not great) eating and basic exercise x 3 per week. I have lost 27lbs already that is already 1/3 of the way to my main goal !

If I can do that and my eating and exercise level has not been great and I have problems with my thyroid levels, anyone can. IT is just a matter of logging every mouthful and moving more.

Two things I would suggest.

1. Try to break your goal into managable chunks. I never have more than 10 lbs to lose on my ticker/mind, it helps keep me motivated. When I reach my third goal of 30 lbs lost i.e. 210 lbs. I'll reset my goal to 200lbs. If I kept thinking of the 100lbs I had to lose at the beginning I would never get there but working on losing just another 10 lbs is doable.

2. Why not give yourself the 6 months you need to attend the WLS classes before you can have surgery anyway and tell yourself you will follow a sensible healthy food intake and exercise for that 6 month period and see what happens. I bet you can get 50% of your weight loss in that time. Don't worry about dropping your BMI and weight pre surgery, we all know how easy it is too put weight back on again. !