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

mcrmsi77

I was recently looking into gastric bypass surgery!! For about 9 months that all i researched and talked about. My insurance covers it and I met all the requirements except I could not provide them with a 5 year medical history and after an appeal letter they denied me twice! I decided I had to do it on my own and know I am completely grateful. I know a lot of people that have had the surgery and have done really well but I also have known one person to die from it and another to have her whole life changed for the bad because of it. In and out of the hospital, puking all the time, and very depressed!! I am glad I didn't get the surgery because I can lead a normal life. But for a lot of people it changes their life for the better!!! I would research research research!!! There is a site that is just like this one except mainly for weight loss surgery called obesityhelp.com and it is very helpful!!! The lap band has been called the "crap band" because it usually has a lot of problems and results in getting another surgery to take it out or get another wls! Its your choice just know what to expect and use it as a tool not a miracle!! Best of luck just make sure what ever you decide that it is your own decision!! I had so many different responses to wanting to get the surgery and most were negative so it can be really hard to make up your mind!

Also know that there are several other surgeries not just gastric bypass and lap band.

SusanRN2b

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.

This is so true!

Please don't do it! I'm a nursing student, and I work at a hospital. There is ALWAYS risk with any surgery. I've seen way too many people DIE from complications, e.g. sepsis, embolism. When I saw the first case where this poor lady was in the hospital for MONTHS, her poor husband, by her side, the suffering, she wound up dying. So sad!

I would rather be fat than what these people go through!

That surgery is not the miracle cure! The only way to lose the weight, be healthy and sustain it, is to do the work YOURSELF. Save that $500 for a new wardrobe!

mcrmsi77

you still have to diet and watch what you eat after about 2-3 years you don't malabsorb so you are on your own with making sure you eat right and that is why a lot of people gain the weight back! There is a more risky surgery called duodenal switch which has been really successful in keeping the weight off, but like i said is really risky and the diet you have to eat is mainly meat cheese and eggs and fat which is not healthy to me.

mcrmsi77

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.

To me getting the surgery is harder... you still have to deal with "head hunger" and the first couple of weeks you start out with 2oz of food then gradually add oz till you get to a cup. Your body won't be hungry but you tell yourself you are. Certain foods won't agree with you, some people never stop puking, some surgerys you can never ever take NSAIDS like ibproren and things like that , you can't eat bread for a year, and you can never ever drink pop again cause it will stretch the pouch out.

JEWEL776

I have lost 85 pounds since April 2011. Following this program and exercising it could take you less then a year and be healthier. Good luck!!

LuciaLongIsland

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

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

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cbirdso

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

Only one other poster addressed this issue. I, too, gained weight because of illness and (lack of) medication. Once my medical problem was diagnosed and I received treatment, weight loss not only became possible, but "almost easy" in retrospect. Therefore, it appears that solving your health issue with perhaps a change in medicine is a better solution than solving your weight problem as if overeating alone is the root cause. It sounds like you are already seeing some success from a recent medication change. My understanding of WLS is that its goal is to help jump start and correct problems of overeating. If you don't have a problem with overeating, why would this be a good solution for you?

cxxviii

Do what ever you want but I personally I lose total respect for anyone who has to cut them selves up just to stop over eating. Learn to make the changes you need. People can change and people can learn new healthy behaviors. It is pathetic and should only be considered as a life saving absolute last resort decision.

busterbluth

I don't know if you've heard of Health at Every Size at all (http://www.haescommunity.org/). Basically, the premise is to focus on healthy eating and fitness without focusing on weight loss (weight loss, naturally, should follow).

It's pretty natural not to lose tons of weight at the beginning of a lifestyle change. I would suggest you ditch the scale (get weighed at the drs--obsessing over the pounds every day is just a setup for failure) and keep focusing on eating healthy, low-cal meals and exercising.

But, if you're set on doing this, I wish you luck! I've known a few people who've had it (one was about your size, I guess, the other was more than double that) with mixed but overall good results. I don't know that any of the people I know who did it really worked on fitness, though.

cpbkmb06

I would suggest talking to your doctor about your options and seeing what will work best for YOU. There are more surgeries for weight loss than lap band and gastric bypass and each has their own sets of ups and downs. Check out www.obesityhelp.com. It is a website I learned about from going to a support group for weight loss surgeries (a requirement from my surgeon). Weight loss surgery is not the "easy" way out. It is the LAST resort. It is a decision not to be entered into lightly. There are complications with all of them. A good doctor should be able to explain the differences and the risks to you. Only YOU will know which, if any, is right for you. Does the surgery option fit your lifestyle? Are you willing to maintain the regulations that your surgery will require once you have the surgery? These are all things to ask yourself.

servilia

If you have to restrict to such an extent after the surgery amd exercose as well - why not just take the surgery out of the equation and talk to a doctor about going on a doctor-supervised low calorie diet. It will be less risky to your health and with fewer chances of long term complications. And you will feel amazing having done something so amazing on your own.

jeepwidow01

Instead of looking at the end result, take it in little increments, even 5 lbs. It won't seem as overwhelming if you break it up that way. Yes, having to lose weight the good old fashioned way can be overwhelming, but it will be soo much better for you in the long run.

CyberEd312

At 560 lbs. and barely able to walk from room to room cause of severely bad knee's I finally had that AHA moment and decided I wanted to live... I knew from the beginning there was no way I was having weightloss surgery because if I couldn't fix what was broken in my head there was no way I was ever going to beat my addictions to food. I was staring at having to lose atleast 300 lbs. and couldn't even support my own weight so I started in Aquatic therapy til I had lost enough weight to get fitted with braces and was able to start doing more exercise outside of the pool. I worked with a dietician to change my eating habits and a therapist to work on my food addictions and depression and social phobias. 29 months later and losing on avg. 2 lbs. a week, I have lost 288 lbs. and have a pretty firm grasp on my addictions (am I cured? heck no) but it will be something i will have to continue to work on every single day. You have to get to the point in your life where you want to do this for yourself, that you say I am important and I want to live! I choose life!! and then get up every single day and do everything you possibly can each and everyday to be successful...... In the end it is your choice to do what you think is best for you but you have to understand there is no magic pill or easy way out. It is a lifestyle commitment, there is no other way......... Good Luck to you....

BlueLikeJazz

At 560 lbs. and barely able to walk from room to room cause of severely bad knee's I finally had that AHA moment and decided I wanted to live... I knew from the beginning there was no way I was having weightloss surgery because if I couldn't fix what was broken in my head there was no way I was ever going to beat my addictions to food. I was staring at having to lose atleast 300 lbs. and couldn't even support my own weight so I started in Aquatic therapy til I had lost enough weight to get fitted with braces and was able to start doing more exercise outside of the pool. I worked with a dietician to change my eating habits and a therapist to work on my food addictions and depression and social phobias. 29 months later and losing on avg. 2 lbs. a week, I have lost 288 lbs. and have a pretty firm grasp on my addictions (am I cured? heck no) but it will be something i will have to continue to work on every single day. You have to get to the point in your life where you want to do this for yourself, that you say I am important and I want to live! I choose life!! and then get up every single day and do everything you possibly can each and everyday to be successful...... In the end it is your choice to do what you think is best for you but you have to understand there is no magic pill or easy way out. It is a lifestyle commitment, there is no other way......... Good Luck to you....

A big congrats to you for all the hard work you've done to get where you are. Everything you said is right on the money.

scubagirl319

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.

First of all it is not an easy way out. There is nothing easy about weight loss surgery. Yes there are many out there who gain the weight back but there are even more who do not and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Many people who lose the weight the non surgery way also gain the weight back. Yo-Yo dieting is very common, the more times you lose the weight and gain it back, the harder it is to lose again. Your comment about you will not lose a lot of money if you gain it all back shows that you are not ready for the surgery. The surgery isn't about money, it is about getting a tool to help you lose the weight. If you do not change your eating habits and make life long changes you will fail. In addition to making changes in your eating habits you have to make changes in the way you think about food. You have to be willing to give up a lot of foods. Some for life, depending on the surgery you have. Do your research and make sure you are prepared mentally. Right now you are not, And yes, I have had surgery and I would recommend it to most who ask if they are serious. .

scubagirl319

my grandma go the lap band and gained everything back. she could hardly eat ANYTHING and was always worried about throwing up.

my husband's aunt had gastric bypass surgery. now she can't eat more then half a cup of food and has to choose to either eat or drink - not both at the same time or she will throw up.

my friend's grandpa had gastric bypass and they didn't do it right, he died 2 days later because all the food he was eating went straight out of his stomach into his body.


Not to dispute what you are saying, but misinformation runs rampant. He would not have been eating anything 2 days after a bypass. You don't get anything to eat for weeks. You don't even get anything to drink for about 24 hours after surgery once they do the leak test to make sure everything is leakproof. I'm not saying something didn't go wrong but it wasn't because of food he was eating.
not trying to scare you out of it or tell you not to. i can't say what i would do, because i'm not in your position. all i know is that with all the terrible things i've heard about weight loss surgery... i don't think i'd consider it. in the end you are going to be doing the same things you are now. to me it's just not worth the risk.

missjoci

I think it's better to try it the hard way; those types of surgeries are extremely hard on your body. If only your cholesterol is high, I would suggest trying to fix your diet and see if any changes happen the natural route. Most people I've heard of having the band were miserable because they could only eat tiny amounts of food and if they overdid it would find themselves throwing up a lot. On here, I've witnessed 3-4 of my MFP buddies losing 40-50 lbs in a matter of a few months. It can be done. Sometimes it's easy to look for a 'cure all' method, but unfortunately these surgeries aren't guaranteed to keep your weight off.

Good luck with your decision.

AngelaeLebron1

I was recently looking into gastric bypass surgery!! For about 9 months that all i researched and talked about. My insurance covers it and I met all the requirements except I could not provide them with a 5 year medical history and after an appeal letter they denied me twice! I decided I had to do it on my own and know I am completely grateful. I know a lot of people that have had the surgery and have done really well but I also have known one person to die from it and another to have her whole life changed for the bad because of it. In and out of the hospital, puking all the time, and very depressed!! I am glad I didn't get the surgery because I can lead a normal life. But for a lot of people it changes their life for the better!!! I would research research research!!! There is a site that is just like this one except mainly for weight loss surgery called obesityhelp.com and it is very helpful!!! The lap band has been called the "crap band" because it usually has a lot of problems and results in getting another surgery to take it out or get another wls! Its your choice just know what to expect and use it as a tool not a miracle!! Best of luck just make sure what ever you decide that it is your own decision!! I had so many different responses to wanting to get the surgery and most were negative so it can be really hard to make up your mind!

Also know that there are several other surgeries not just gastric bypass and lap band.

Yes, I had a family member die from gastric bypass...very scary!!! If you do chose to have one of these VERY dangerous surgery's, I highly suggest doing your research on your choice of doctor and how to take care of yourself, ect.. also IMO, you seem to just barely be meeting the requirements, you could prob. end up doing this all on your own. Anyways, no matter what you choose, it's your choice and best wishes and luck to you on your journey of getting healthy.

mcrmsi77

I have had a family memeber die as well

hoppinglark

So, did the OP go for it or not?

Health_Gal

I know several people who had weight loss surgery, and have been in so much misery for years that they regret doing it.

These articles outlines some of the more common problems with weight loss surgery:

Weight Loss Surgery Complications Forum
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/complications/

Complications of bariatric surgery
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/complications-of-bariatric-surgery

Gastrointestinal Complications of Obesity Surgery: Gastrointestinal Complications of Bariatric Surgery
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/471952_5

Bariatric Surgery Risks and Complications
http://www.realize.com/bariatric-surgery-risks-complications.htm

ygglove

My advice to you, since you have to take a 6 month course any way, is: If you really really feel like this is what YOU should do.. then sign up for it- but give your self those 6 months [while you're taking the courses]. I mean REALLY work at losing weight the right and healthy way.. because it seems to me that you're wanting a "quick fix" or in your words a "jump start".. but losing weight isn't just about being skinny.. it's about life style changes, and during the changes, it's about coming to terms with your body, and where you're at as a person.. and I feel like doing it the right way, and working hard for what you want- makes you happy, and proud of your self- even if your out come, isn't exactly what you dreamed it would be...

grannygethealthy1111

Only YOU can decide if this is for you or not. My best friend died from complications 5 years out after having gastric bypass. However, I have another friend that has lost over 100 pounds, is maintaining her loss, and has no health complications whatsoever. Her health has improved dramatically.

I would never judge a person that decides to have bariatric surgery, nor would I encourage you to do so. The people that say that this is the "easy" way out do not have a clue. This is a very difficult surgery and there is nothing easy about it.

Best wishes on whatever your decision is.

MissBettyBoop2

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.

This is so true!

WRONG. Most people that have WLS, meaning the RNY or the Sleeve, 80% keep it off. Only 5 % of people that diet, keep it off. Anyone trying to lose large amounts of weight needs behavior modification. That should be the goal of any weightloss program.
However WLS is just a tool. But to say most people gain their weight back is misinformation.

MissBettyBoop2

Do what ever you want but I personally I lose total respect for anyone who has to cut them selves up just to stop over eating. Learn to make the changes you need. People can change and people can learn new healthy behaviors. It is pathetic and should only be considered as a life saving absolute last resort decision.

OMG.....how ignorant.

I applaud anyone that has the balls to change their lifestyle and get healthier. It doesn't matter if the person had surgery or not. The outcome is what matters.

tkieran

I have to agree with MissBettyBoop. One needs to have that epiphany, that moment when you decide to take control of your life, weight, and health, be it through surgical or nonsurgical means. Speaking from firsthand experience, bariatric surgery is not an easy way out. In fact, many of us make such a drastic decision because it is the last resort. I am almost 8yrs postop and still struggle with my weight. It is just now that I am learning that the surgery is a tool, much more so than a solution. It does not work alone: you need to know how to use it and learn (via dietician visits and support groups) a healthy way of eating FOR LIFE. Also daily exercise is as important as the eating. I wish I'd figured this out a few years sooner. Better late than never I say, so here's to the reinstatement of my weight loss "tool" :-)

Hyoderrn

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.

You do feel weak in the beginning, You must make small goals so you don't feel so discouraged. 100# is alot of weight to lose but it can be done "the hard way" You are strong you just need to find what suits you best I wish you luck no matter what you decide. I was 249 lbs and I am 5'4" It has been a very long journey to get where I am today, I weigh 195lbs, with a goal of 160 right now. It was very slow and difficult at first but it gets easier and you feel better and have such a great feeling of accomplishment! Anything worth doing is not usually easy but with the right mindset and tools you can accomplish your goals without the surgery. Pray about it before you make any decisions. Pray to make the right decision for you and pray for the willpower to succeed, pray for the patience to see your progress. Wishing you all the luck and praying for you! :happy:

Tara4boys

Did not read through all 6 pages of responses. I read an article a while back (can't remember where), it looked at patient's weight like 5 years out. They all lost a lot initially It was amazing how FEW kept it off. Also article talked about how the risks including fatalities are downplayed by the marketing.

rollycollysmama

your only 230, a 100 lbs isnt a lot of weight really if you look at the big picture, you have to prove you can loose weight without the surgery, which involves you having to lose like 25% of your body weight before hand, which would mean like 35 lbs, if you can push yourself to lose 35 lbs
A.youll feel great.
B. you will not be considered "super obese" anymore.
I started at 238 three weeks ago, with hard work, and eating better I'm down to 222 I know its not easy for everyone, most people lose 1-2 lbs a week, but it CAN BE DONE.
A friend of mine, and my insperation for my life change was 335 lbs, she never would have thought she could lose the weight without surgical intervention, and it dawned on her, watching biggest loser a little less than two years ago it CAN be done. She put down the cheese burger she was eating, and that was the moment her life changed, two years later, without a fitness trainer, or a gym membership, simply working out at home to jillian michales shes down 197 lbs. 22 lbs away from her goal weight. was it easy, no. its a LIFESTYLE change. But she did it, and so can I, and so can you, and so can EVERYONE.
I had another friend who got lapband and lost 100 lbs in 7 months, she looks TERRIBLE, she was only 26 when she got it done, I dont know how old you are but at 26 her skin should still have elastisity- she may be lighter on the scale, but her belly skin hangs past her crotch, her boobs are down to her belly botton, you could paint the american flag on her arm flaps and people would start singing the national anthem. shes a great woman, beautiful on the inside, but her body is....its just terrible. I would rather be fat, super obese, dying, than have the hanging sagging wrinkled, often times infected from zipping her skin or pinching it, remains of what is left after that opperation. Where is friend A. who did it naturally has a abs I couldnt imagine her ever having in my wildest dreams at 34. consider your options, hopefully if you do look into this, and you decide to do it, upon losing that inital weight just to qualify, youll see it can be done and feel great. realistically at 5'2 even 180 lbs would make you look and feel stunning. GOOD LUCK

DebbieMc3

I've lost 100 lbs twice and here I am working on the third time.
I'm sorry to say that this surgery is no longer the answer.
I'm not saying that nobody should get the surgery, just not most people.
More then 50% of the people I know getting this surgery gain the weight back.

You can do this w/o the surgery. We are all here for you to take this journey together.