bariatric surgery

todd6977

to get bariatric surgery or not? i need some opinions please.

high5girl

I also struggled with this decision. I actually went through all the pre-surgery requirements and got approved for surgery. I had elected RNY and was supposed to schedule it sometime this month. After all that I decided not to go through with the surgery. The risks were too much for me to deal with at this time. So, here I am. MFP has been a HUGE motivator in helping me lose weight. No, it's not easy and not as fast as RNY surgery would be but I'm taking one day at a time. I would recommend trying MFP first for 6 months to see how you do on your own. Tracking calories and everything you put into your mouth will help. I had no idea how many calories I was truly eating everyday *shocking*. Good luck!

CruellaClo

I understand the struggle...it is a big decision to make and you have to be ready to make big changes. I had bypass on March 7th 2012 and started at 253.5, I have lost 45 lbs so far (10 weeks) and feel wonderful. I follow a high protein diet guided by my nutritionist. I have to tell you... It was the best thing I ever did for myself. Go see a few doctors and do some online research before making a decision.

Best of luck

imsomony

I think it depends on each individual person... our opinions are going to be based on our experiences and feelings, not your life and what you're going through... ya know?

For myself, I wouldn't do it... I'm too damn stubborn and insist on "doing it all my own way", haha. But I know 2 people who have had surgeries like it, and it worked wonders for them. They already had all the tools (healthy diet/lifestyle and exercise), and surgery helped them break past a barrier they weren't able to overcome themselves.

I do think it's important to view it as a tool that can be used to help achieve your goals, rather than an end-all-be-all life fixer. If you don't already have an exercise routine, meal plans and ideas, and calorie counters like MPF... start getting them. Get your life on track with these things BEFORE the surgery, because you'll most definitely need them afterwards. And it will be much easier to accommodate the new lifestyle you'll be taking on if you've already set yourself up for it.

(edited-to-add) PS - congrats on your success Cruella!

ruthbfoy

I had a gastric band 4 years ago and because it wasn't adjusted properly put weight ON post op. Then once adjusted went on to lose 4stone but then went on to have problem after problem due to the issues with the band. Due to my stress levels the band would contract and release at will and this went on to cause vomiting and pain. I had the band released several times to alleviate this and started (as you might guess) to regain weight.
The band is a tool simply that. It cannot lose the weight or 'walk the walk' for you. That's down to the individuals and the food consistency/quantity/quality, so I think mfp is more of an appropriate way for me at the moment. If I can use mfp to adopt a better nutritional way forward for myself, i can also use the band in some small way to adjust my portions if i feel i need to. The beauty of the band being that it can be filled and released to suit. And if necessary can be removed.

Ralphrabbit

I had gastric bypass surgery in December 2010. I lost all the weight that I will due to surgery within the first year ie 30% of my body weight. For me that was about 6 stone. Now I have another 5 stone to go by hard work & exercise. At least now I can!! I have Multiple Sclerosis & my MS meant that I could not exercise & lose weight well & my weight made my MS worse. Something had to give, so I had surgery. Since the surgery it has not been the easiest time & I can understand why friends would not advise me to have it done. When I made my decision they were supportive but it does mean a whole new lifestyle, as well as the risks associated with surgery. I suggest you do some research before you even consider how it may work for you. I used BOSPA web site as a very good way of gaining info. Do not use websites that have a vested interest in getting you to have surgery.

For me, this has been a good decision. I have no regrets and although I NEVER get value for money when eating out, I still go out with friends as it is more about socialising than eating! Never have I vomited as much as I did in the first 4 months after surgery & there are still some foods my stomach can not tolerate 18 months down the line. (pasta, bread, beef to name a few)

Make your own decision but talk to those who have been there. They will be honest with you. Look at why you have the relationship with food that you have in counselling & do not think that this will just disappear! Please feel free to message me if I can help further.

impyimpyaj

I think you need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, and ask people who love you what they think. Because it's a surgery, so there are significant risks. I get the impression that bariatric surgery is kind of a last resort, not an easy way to lose weight, and it comes with significant lifestyle changes and potential health risks.

suziecue66

to get bariatric surgery or not? i need some opinions please.

What type of bariatric surgery are you considering. Someone on this site had a duodenal switch, can't remember exactly who.

Found it Leighbie 1987 mentioned the duodenal switch in this post: She eats a lot but only absorbs one third of the food.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/602457-calories?page=2

sexycheesemonkey

One of my best friends had the bypass surgery and lost 80+lbs in 6 months or so, we are all so happy for her! I decided maybe it was right for me, so I went to an orientation and listened closely to what the Dr was saying and took notes and everything. A few weeks later my aunt got the 'sleeve' surgery, and she lost 45lbs...but has stopped because she is having trouble controlling her emotional eating. My uncles gf (different uncle) got the lap band and had great success, but would constantly find herself vomiting because she ate too fast, but she learned to control it and it happily losing the weight and is exercising, etc. Another aunt of mine got the lap band but had it adjusted so tight that she lost weight VERY rapidly...now...knowing my aunt she did not follow the recommended diet and continued to eat the junk food and the fast food etc....she has been given 2 years to live because at the age of 54 she has the frailty of a 90 year old women. Now, these are not meant to scare you, but to let you realize that the surgery is not a miracle, it is a tool used to help those who have tried just about everything. It is a life commitment and honestly, it is a hard decision that I don't think anyone should just jump into all willy-nilly. Take the time to talk to your Dr and discuss the options, I decided against the surgery but found something else that worked wonderfully for me. Good luck to you and your journey.

karabasik

I completely agree with imsomony. You have to understand that there is no magic . Neither with or witho ut surgery , neither with or without MFP, YOU have to do a job! You have to understand what is important for YOU . I had my bariatric surgery on October 13, 2011. I am spool glad that I'very got my LapBand!!!! I LOVE it!!! But, it IS a TOOL!!!! I am lucky I have it! I call it MY HELPER. However , I had to teach myself to eat properly (with a great help of my surgeon and nutritionist ), I had to start moving again. I have to remember to do it day after day. Not my band, not some magic, not my membership in MFP. ME! It makes no difference if you do the surgery or anything else. Ask yourself ARE YOU READY for a change . My LapBand helped me to understand myself. My band helps me on daily bases, but... I could cheat if I wanted. The question is WHAT DO I REALLY WANT. Think and make a decision . No matter what, you have to eat healthy , you have to watch what you eat, you have to get moving. There is no question about it.
Hope it helps. Good luck!
Warm regards ,
Marishka

Laura8603

Please do plenty of research. It's not for everyone. I was 200 pounds overweight. I knew there was no way I could lose the weight and more importantly maintain my weight if i were to lose it "on my own". I had RNY gastric bypass in 2008. I had to learn to eat healthy and incorporate exercise into my life. It's something I will have to work on everyday for the rest of my life. The surgery is only a tool. It's not magic.

It was the right decision for me. I am so thankful to have my life back.

janet0513

This is definitely something you need to research and see if this is the right thing for you. I would suggest looking into a program that does the surgery and go to the meetings they have with people who are interested as well as those who have already had it. Ask questions and decide if you can live with it. You will have to lose some weight on your own prior anyways, so give MFP a try and surround yourself with some good supportive friends. Feel free to add me if you'd like...I would support you either way. Research the surgeries, but also nutrition. Find what works for you.

I looked into doing the surgery and did some pre-op assessments and decided it wasn't for me. Gastric bypass was more risky (esp since I have a clotting disorder) and I couldn't imagine that there were foods I may never be able to tolerate again (I love food..and I don't know that I want to give anything up). All the surgeries required supplements and possible nutrition deficiencies. I have seen people be successful, but more often I seen them gain some or all of the weight back (that is just from people I know...not a scientific study). The surgery is a tool and you still need to make dietary and lifestyle changes.

So after doing an upper GI, meetings, dietician, hematology/oncology consult and a psych eval, I made that choice for me and I am glad I did. I tried to lose the pre-op weight and I just struggled back and forth. I joined MFP and even then it took me a month or so to stick with it. Now I have found my groove. In the past I always dieted. Not this time. I eat quite a bit and I am never hungry. There are no foods that are off limits and I don't feel deprived. I have made some great lifestyle changes and it seems like a switch went off in my head and there is no stopping me. I'm down 52 lbs so far and still have around 100 to go but for the first time in my life, I know that I can do this.

I hope that the process I went through helps you in your decision. Either way, you are going to make a change in your health and I commend you for taking that step. You can do it and you can be successful. Best of luck.

MyOwnSunshine

It is a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer.

The best thing to do is to attend some seminars and gather information about post-op life and really consider whether you can commit to the changes necessary to be successful in the long term.

Weight loss surgery is not a "cure" for obesity. It does really help you to lose weight quickly, but you still need to carefully choose healthy food, track your intake, exercise intensely and deal with the issues that cause you to eat compulsively in order to be successful.

Please do not get a lap band -- although some people are successful with it, far more have horrible complications and do not lose weight. Carefully consider the other 3 surgeries -- RNY/Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy/VSG, and Duodenal Switch/DS -- and figure out which one would work best for you.

I had a sleeve done last September and have been successful beyond my wildest dreams, but I also see a counselor who specializes in disordered eating, exercise intensely and regularly, and track my calories carefully.

Before people attack me for having surgery, please know that I have lost over 250 pounds in my life time, usually 30 or so pounds at a time, but have never been able to keep it off. My sleeve surgery has allowed me to regulate the volume that I eat and serves as a "safety switch" to prevent overeating, but otherwise, the effort is all on me.

enaves1986

I am against it, one of my friends had it. She's lost the weight, but is getting her second skin removal surgery in a month. That has been her biggest problem is the excess skin. Also, do the rapid weight loss, you may have to have your gall bladder removed.

7funnygirl7

You have to remember, no matter what you do it will still be a whole new lifestyle change. Even if you have the surgery, you still need to be in control of what you put in your mouth. I have had three girlfriends go through with the surgery. One had many "issues" afterwards including a twisted bowel which nearly killed her. The other one has been sucessful and no "issues" for the last 2.5 yrs. The third one however, did gain all her weight back and then some within 4 yrs. I'm not saying to get it done, and I am not telling you to stay clear of it either. Everyone makes decisions for themselves and should not go by anyone elses comments. I do believe one has to be ready heart, mind, body, and soul to make any serious life changes, It is not just about losing weight, but also the mental/emotional reasonings behind the gaining of weight. Weight loss is a journey that has to be carried out through ones lifetime, not just a quick fix to look/feel good temporarily. In my opinion, if one starts a journey...one should finish it! Best of Luck in your decision, either way...I am here for you!!

jasperann

My cousin had this surgery done, she was really over weight when she had it done. She passed away less than a year ago from all the complications. She basically starved to death because they messed the surgery up so bad, and none of the 'fixes' worked. She lived for 3 years after getting the surgery done and had over 6 different surgeries because she couldn't eat. I know that this is an extreme case, but the fact that it could happen at all would make me second guess it. She left behind four children 4-14 years old.

budhandy

like others have said its a personal decion. My father is getting done due to many health problems. He knows its not going to going to be easy as lot of people think it is. He has to counseling, be on a special diet before and after.

HappyFeat

Hi there,

As mentioned above, I think it is very important to consider the risks. While it is more likely you will have a successful surgery, complications are not rare. Also because the surgery is still relatively "new", long term effects are still unknown for the general population who might be doing okay now.

My mother had this surgery 7 years ago and has been in and out of the hospital ever since due to infections, malnutrition, and other unexpected complications that all relate back to the surgery. She is currently in a nursing home as she needs around-the-clock nutrition maintenance. It was so hard for me to watch her struggle with her weight and take such a drastic measure for her health, when in reality she is doing far worse than if she were still heavy. As above, I realize this testimonial is not an every day occurrence but from first hand speaking to her doctors, severe complications are becoming more common.

If you have any questions at all please contact me. As a current medical student, I've done a massive amount of research and I know that this surgery is something I will be working with for my entire career. Hope to help and give unbiased advice.

Arthemise1

I had the LapBand done, and losing the weight is a slow process. It's a tool, and you still have to diet. It's probably the least effective of the surgeries, but it's also the least intensive. The gastric sleeve seems to work pretty well for people. I personally would not have the Roux-en-y en because it's so serious (my doctor doesn't even perform this surgery anymore), but it works for some people. Definitely consult a doctor if you're thinking about it. You have to be desperate to have the surgery, but many people (like me) are that desperate.

wftiger

There are risks so make sure you understand them. They don't advertise how many fatalities they have and not happen at the time. Many happen months later. I am not saying it is not successful for some but for others they are not as lucky. I live with the pain every day of losing my mother to this procedure. I knew that I wasn't going to be a statistic either way so I am doing this without. Not saying that is better as both are very hard. But I won't be a number that they hide under the carpet and don't tell people about.

You can do it. Yes it is so very hard. But a gastric does not guarantee results, does not make you "skinny" and you can gain every single pound back if you don't learn to eat correctly.

Think about it carefully. It is a big decision and may have consequences you did not plan for.

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

I think you should get your doctor's approval first before proceeding with the op. Like others said, you have to consider the risks involved first before you make the final decision. I agree that with it comes the complete lifestyle change.

If I were in your situation, I would take it as my last resort in case everything that I tried didn't work. Although I do respect the ones who decided to undergo thru the knife but we must remember that the surgery alone won't help cure obesity unless we take charge to change our lifestyle. I remember watching a documentary report on local TV about a group of morbidly obese people, some of them undergone bariatic surgery but one of them chose to do it the natural way. The one who chose to change her lifestyle lost half her body weight after about 2 years, from 300+ pounds down to 175 lbs. & she can now buy outfits at regular stores. The change may took longer than her other peers who undergo surgery but out of the group, it was her who maintained the weight loss the longest time.

CyberEd312

I don't knock anyone for choosing to regain control of there life by any means necessary, that being said for me, at 560 lbs., unable to walk from room to room without the aid of a computer chair I ripped the back off of to roll myself around on, and not leaving the house for over 2 years except to drive my wife to the store and sit in the parking lot cause I felt bad she had to do everything, No Surgery was an option for me... When I finally had that get busy living or get busy dieing moment I told myself and my family I was willing to try but surgery was out and I would lose it naturally or die trying... I was firmly of the mindset that if I didn't fix what was broken in my head that led me to eating myself to 560 lbs. then no surgery would fix that and until I got a grasp on that part of my life nothing would help... So I stopped saying no to everything and as hard as it was started saying yes to anything and everything that was offered to me. I began therapy for my food addictions and social phobia and depression issues, went to the doctors to find out my overall health (found out I was a full blown type 2 diabetic, fatty liver, etc. etc) and my doctor pointed me to my Endo Dr. and he pointed me to a Nutritionist and Dietician and wrote me a script for Aquatic therapy through the Wellness center... I needed water displacement in the beginning cause I was unable to support my own weight.. So the first 16 months I spent in the pool and lost around 170 lbs. then the therapist started pushing me to the shallow end of the pool constantly making me support more and more of my own weight and eventually I was fitted with brace for my severely bad knee's and start injection therapy for my knee's and pain meds but was able to start splitting my time between the pool and land based exercises... I lost another 136 lbs. over the next 16 months ( 306 lbs. to date and my 3 year anniversary is in 3 weeks) Was it hard??? H.. E.. Double L... YES!!! Mentally, Physically, Emotionally the whole thing was Alot of Hardwork!!! but would I do it all over again???? In a Heartbeat!!! You have to decide what is best for you, the surgery isn't going to change the fact you will have to change your entire lifestyle and exercise and live a totally different life than the one that caused you to get to the point you are now.... No one can make the decision for you.... I am working on that last 10 pounds before I schedule my Lower Body lift to remove around 20-25 lbs. of skin that no matter how hard I workout is out of my control...... Then knee replacements and I will finally have what I always wished and prayed for: MY LIFE BACK!!!!! Best of Luck to you........

suziecue66

I'm sure OP will check with his doctor but I think he just wanted opinions about it.

ValerieMartini2Olives

I thought about a gastric bypass for many years.

But then I said to myself "IF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT, THEN LOSE THE WEIGHT!"

I started reading and researching about what/how/why/when I should eat. I started logging EVERYTHING on pen and paper. Then I luckily found MFP while doing a calorie counter app on my android.

My big thing was why would you want to go through a major surgery that could fail? I would much rather work my *kitten* off. It is so much more worthwhile to know that I'm the one putting in the real effort.

YOU are the only one who can make you fail or succeed. YOU are the only one who can be in total control of your health. To me now, bypass surgery is just a cop out.

Crochetluvr

My ex SIL had the surgery....she is a nurse. And she did lose weight and she looked great! Problem is, she didnt cure the reasons she got heavy in the first place. All she does now is eat junk food....and she is gaining the weight back. I would rather do it the natural way and fight the demons at the same time. But I am sure there are people for whom the surgery was a life saver. Whatever you decide, good luck!

PeaceCorpsKat

I cannot tell a lie, I have thought about it.

My mom did a gastric bypass and she has long been trying to convince me to do one. One of my best friends had one too.

My mom has had limited success, my friend is a freaking size 2!

But they deffinately had a lot of complications from the surgery.

My wieghtloss has been signfigant, but this is the second time I am going through this. I was able to lose about 90 pounds 7 years ago, ran a marathon, joined the PEace Corps - and gained it all back!

As much as I think it is easier and healthier to do it naturally, I am very fearful I will gain the weight back. I know the surgery makes it more permanent.

It's a tough decision, there are pros and cons on either side. I am happy with my decision to do it without the surgery, but I completely understand someone going the other way.

lauristewart

Think of it this way....you are going to HAVE to change your eating habits, one way or the other. So why not change them WITHOUT the surgery. My highest weight has been 268 and I now weigh 145....no surgery!! I watch everything that goes in mymouth and exercise.....there are peple who gain thier weight back after surgery. If you don't change, then you will gain it back.....try following the diet they give you after the surgery and you will lose weight!! Why put your body through the surgery when you can do it without! Goodluck!

Bagman12002

I don't knock anyone for choosing to regain control of there life by any means necessary, that being said for me, at 560 lbs., unable to walk from room to room without the aid of a computer chair I ripped the back off of to roll myself around on, and not leaving the house for over 2 years except to drive my wife to the store and sit in the parking lot cause I felt bad she had to do everything, No Surgery was an option for me... When I finally had that get busy living or get busy dieing moment I told myself and my family I was willing to try but surgery was out and I would lose it naturally or die trying... I was firmly of the mindset that if I didn't fix what was broken in my head that led me to eating myself to 560 lbs. then no surgery would fix that and until I got a grasp on that part of my life nothing would help... So I stopped saying no to everything and as hard as it was started saying yes to anything and everything that was offered to me. I began therapy for my food addictions and social phobia and depression issues, went to the doctors to find out my overall health (found out I was a full blown type 2 diabetic, fatty liver, etc. etc) and my doctor pointed me to my Endo Dr. and he pointed me to a Nutritionist and Dietician and wrote me a script for Aquatic therapy through the Wellness center... I needed water displacement in the beginning cause I was unable to support my own weight.. So the first 16 months I spent in the pool and lost around 170 lbs. then the therapist started pushing me to the shallow end of the pool constantly making me support more and more of my own weight and eventually I was fitted with brace for my severely bad knee's and start injection therapy for my knee's and pain meds but was able to start splitting my time between the pool and land based exercises... I lost another 136 lbs. over the next 16 months ( 306 lbs. to date and my 3 year anniversary is in 3 weeks) Was it hard??? H.. E.. Double L... YES!!! Mentally, Physically, Emotionally the whole thing was Alot of Hardwork!!! but would I do it all over again???? In a Heartbeat!!! You have to decide what is best for you, the surgery isn't going to change the fact you will have to change your entire lifestyle and exercise and live a totally different life than the one that caused you to get to the point you are now.... No one can make the decision for you.... I am working on that last 10 pounds before I schedule my Lower Body lift to remove around 20-25 lbs. of skin that no matter how hard I workout is out of my control...... Then knee replacements and I will finally have what I always wished and prayed for: MY LIFE BACK!!!!! Best of Luck to you........

Well said.

Katwilkins

If you choose to have the surgery, your food choices are limited afterwards. But if you are able to diet and loose weight yourself you still have all the food choices you want. I thought about having the surgery, but then after watching 2 friends that had the surgery and they were just dieting and eating less, and that's really how they were loosing the weight, I felt motivated to just pretend I had had the surgery and change my eating habits, and I am loosing weight just as fast as they are. I set my calories to make me loose about 1.4 pounds a week. But if that won't work for you, and you choose the surgery, and loose weight, your overall health should be better unless you have complications.

I am a nurse and I have seen some nasty complications. But sometimes it's life or slow death, so do what you think will help your health the most.
Good luck!

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

I don't knock anyone for choosing to regain control of there life by any means necessary, that being said for me, at 560 lbs., unable to walk from room to room without the aid of a computer chair I ripped the back off of to roll myself around on, and not leaving the house for over 2 years except to drive my wife to the store and sit in the parking lot cause I felt bad she had to do everything, No Surgery was an option for me... When I finally had that get busy living or get busy dieing moment I told myself and my family I was willing to try but surgery was out and I would lose it naturally or die trying... I was firmly of the mindset that if I didn't fix what was broken in my head that led me to eating myself to 560 lbs. then no surgery would fix that and until I got a grasp on that part of my life nothing would help... So I stopped saying no to everything and as hard as it was started saying yes to anything and everything that was offered to me. I began therapy for my food addictions and social phobia and depression issues, went to the doctors to find out my overall health (found out I was a full blown type 2 diabetic, fatty liver, etc. etc) and my doctor pointed me to my Endo Dr. and he pointed me to a Nutritionist and Dietician and wrote me a script for Aquatic therapy through the Wellness center... I needed water displacement in the beginning cause I was unable to support my own weight.. So the first 16 months I spent in the pool and lost around 170 lbs. then the therapist started pushing me to the shallow end of the pool constantly making me support more and more of my own weight and eventually I was fitted with brace for my severely bad knee's and start injection therapy for my knee's and pain meds but was able to start splitting my time between the pool and land based exercises... I lost another 136 lbs. over the next 16 months ( 306 lbs. to date and my 3 year anniversary is in 3 weeks) Was it hard??? H.. E.. Double L... YES!!! Mentally, Physically, Emotionally the whole thing was Alot of Hardwork!!! but would I do it all over again???? In a Heartbeat!!! You have to decide what is best for you, the surgery isn't going to change the fact you will have to change your entire lifestyle and exercise and live a totally different life than the one that caused you to get to the point you are now.... No one can make the decision for you.... I am working on that last 10 pounds before I schedule my Lower Body lift to remove around 20-25 lbs. of skin that no matter how hard I workout is out of my control...... Then knee replacements and I will finally have what I always wished and prayed for: MY LIFE BACK!!!!! Best of Luck to you........

OMG what an amazing transformation! You must be so proud of yourself for making that positive move to take charge your own life for the better. Congrats on the 306 lb. lost :drinker:

aralls64

It is a life changing choice, not just for yourself but for everyone around you. I read thru a few of the reply's and I have to agree do research ask questions even find a bariatric support group and attend a few meetings.. My daughter has been my biggest mentor on my journey. She had the Gastric sleeve done in Feb. and I have started on the requiments to have it done also. I battled with my weight for so long that I have to do something.. Good luck and if you have any question feel free to ask..