Just had my consultation for bariatric surgery...
Replies
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Honestly, the last time I was at the doc, he suggested this too. That was my wake up call that made me realized, I need to really work my *kitten* off to NOT have to get surgery.
I have PCOS, which makes losing weight an even bigger hassle than most have ever had.
I started EATING CLEAN (no processed junk or anything altered by MAN), smaller portions, and getting at least 60-90 min of exercise EVERYDAY! I know it seems tedious, but I'd rather pay 60-90 min a day and be kinda sore then PAY 15,000-30,000 or more for surgery where I'd have to eat the same way and exercise the same as if I didn't have the surgery.
Please try this out for the 10 months and RECONSIDER. The risks aren't worth it. If this doesn't work (which would be odd, b/c with someone with PCOS, it's been working for me), then go on with it.0 -
You can lose weight whilst waiting for surgery and do try so,it will be sooo much safer for the surgery,it will get you used to the lifestyle you have to lead afterwards and it will give you a great head start also!! i managed to lose over 100lb on my own before surgery(even cancelled it at one point) but still had it done for reasons of my own
good luck x :bigsmile:0 -
I have never seen a person that had a weight loss surgery that did not put all the weight back on in a year. I am not trying to be mean, just honest. Do MFP for a year, but really do it. Commit ,good bad or otherwise, log it and be honest with yourself. This process is simple, but its not necessarily easy. Cut fast food, and processed food. As painful as it may be, move your body more. Good luck, you can do anything that you "commit" to doing.0
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My sister worked for University Hospitals in Cleveland and said after seeing all the stats she would NEVER EVER recommend anyone every have any weight loss surgery. The surgical stats scared her so bad she hired a private nutritionist and personal trainer and lost 150lbs, surgery free.
Oh.. and she is 5'4" with a start weight of almost 400 lbs, had been overweight all her life and didn't even do this til she was 45 when most people say they can't lose weight because of their age.
Thank you for this. It was suggested that I have the surgery, but FOR ME, I needed to take responsibility for my life and what I had done to myself. So I did it. I lost weight the slooooowwww way. And without the complications and restrictions of WLS. WLS would not have worked for me because I have such an emotional attachment to food. It wasn't just, "I got fat because I ate too much".0 -
my wife had it over ten years ago, has lost over 150# and hasn't put it back on.I have never seen a person that had a weight loss surgery that did not put all the weight back on in a year. I am not trying to be mean, just honest. Do MFP for a year, but really do it. Commit ,good bad or otherwise, log it and be honest with yourself. This process is simple, but its not necessarily easy. Cut fast food, and processed food. As painful as it may be, move your body more. Good luck, you can do anything that you "commit" to doing.0 -
All those that have issues with the surgery are those that have either NEVER struggled to lose weight or that have not educated themselves on the pros and cons of the surgery. Many of these people do not understand the steps we take before we have the surgery. It's not just walk into a place and then next week we are on the table. I really wish those that have never had the surgery would keep their negative opinions to themselves. With any surgery there are complications and we have all had someone that has had a bad experience.
What she said. I totally agree.0 -
My fiance was over 400 lbs when we started fitness pal 10 mos ago and has lost almost 130 lbs in that time. It is a lifestyle change you have to make and keep forever! The key is exercise and eat the right foods. That's not to say you can't indulge occasionally, I recommend it. Just never lose sight of your goals. It is very important to have a good support team also. Good luck to you you're not alone
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I just wanted to say that I wish you good health and success with any weight loss choice that you make. Only you can make the decision for yourself and know what will be the right decision for YOU. I don't know alot about WLS, I haven't done any research on the topic but I know weight loss is difficult, and isn't only about calorie goals, its also about improving mental health aswell.
I think WLS could be a great tool in helping achieve weight loss and prevent/reverse adverse health conditions. If you need supportive friends, feel free to send me an invite. I am 22yo also.0 -
I personally know 3 people who have kept the weight off. Each had a serious, personal reason for having the surgery. No one took the decision lightly. All of them tried (like just about everyone else on here) repeatedly to lose weight and keep it off. Then they tried surgery. For those three it has been worth it, I'd say. Should they have tried ONE MORE TIME to lose weight and keep it off? I'll let them be the judge of that.I have never seen a person that had a weight loss surgery that did not put all the weight back on in a year. I am not trying to be mean, just honest. Do MFP for a year, but really do it. Commit ,good bad or otherwise, log it and be honest with yourself. This process is simple, but its not necessarily easy. Cut fast food, and processed food. As painful as it may be, move your body more. Good luck, you can do anything that you "commit" to doing.
I also have a friend who had the surgery and promptly went back to her old eating habits. Again, like lots of folks on here who never had WLS. She returned to the bad habits that made keeping the weight off impossible. She's now fat with a scar. It happens.
To the posters who tell "horror stories" about people who became alcohol or sex addicts after WLS: I know someone who became a slut after giving up booze. Is it therefore bad for an alcoholic to stop drinking? No. Of course not. It's simply a reminder that addictive behaviours are hard to conquer and need to be focused on as well.0 -
I personally know 3 people who have kept the weight off. Each had a serious, personal reason for having the surgery. No one took the decision lightly. All of them tried (like just about everyone else on here) repeatedly to lose weight and keep it off. Then they tried surgery. For those three it has been worth it, I'd say. Should they have tried ONE MORE TIME to lose weight and keep it off? I'll let them be the judge of that.I have never seen a person that had a weight loss surgery that did not put all the weight back on in a year. I am not trying to be mean, just honest. Do MFP for a year, but really do it. Commit ,good bad or otherwise, log it and be honest with yourself. This process is simple, but its not necessarily easy. Cut fast food, and processed food. As painful as it may be, move your body more. Good luck, you can do anything that you "commit" to doing.
I also have a friend who had the surgery and promptly went back to her old eating habits. Again, like lots of folks on here who never had WLS. She returned to the bad habits that made keeping the weight off impossible. She's now fat with a scar. It happens.
To the posters who tell "horror stories" about people who became alcohol or sex addicts after WLS: I know someone who became a slut after giving up booze. Is it therefore bad for an alcoholic to stop drinking? No. Of course not. It's simply a reminder that addictive behaviours are hard to conquer and need to be focused on as well.
What people seem to forget when speaking negatively about the results of surgery that " my friend" had is that it was the person who failed, not the surgery. It's no different than......having knee surgery and then trying to go run a 5k three days after the surgery and then blaming that surgery when you end up in pain after 10 steps. Wasn't the surgery that caused the issue.
Some of these people seem to think surgery is some magic fix all, it isn't. In fact, it's probably harder after surgery than before. When you over eat before surgery all you have to worry about is guilt and maybe gaining a pound or two. Not true after surgery. You have to make protein a priority. You can't eat a great deal of sugar or even items that process like sugar. It's far from "the easy way out".0 -
Right, and what some folks seem to forget is: the majority of DIETERS gain it all back as well. And, yes, there are negative effects to yo-yo dieting. Everyone thinks "this time" will be different. Only time will tell. For them, and for the folks who are opting for surgery. "Commiting to MFP for a year" as the quoted poster begs only suggests someone can LOSE weight. Not keep it off...
I personally know 3 people who have kept the weight off. Each had a serious, personal reason for having the surgery. No one took the decision lightly. All of them tried (like just about everyone else on here) repeatedly to lose weight and keep it off. Then they tried surgery. For those three it has been worth it, I'd say. Should they have tried ONE MORE TIME to lose weight and keep it off? I'll let them be the judge of that.I have never seen a person that had a weight loss surgery that did not put all the weight back on in a year. I am not trying to be mean, just honest. Do MFP for a year, but really do it. Commit ,good bad or otherwise, log it and be honest with yourself. This process is simple, but its not necessarily easy. Cut fast food, and processed food. As painful as it may be, move your body more. Good luck, you can do anything that you "commit" to doing.
I also have a friend who had the surgery and promptly went back to her old eating habits. Again, like lots of folks on here who never had WLS. She returned to the bad habits that made keeping the weight off impossible. She's now fat with a scar. It happens.
To the posters who tell "horror stories" about people who became alcohol or sex addicts after WLS: I know someone who became a slut after giving up booze. Is it therefore bad for an alcoholic to stop drinking? No. Of course not. It's simply a reminder that addictive behaviours are hard to conquer and need to be focused on as well.
What people seem to forget when speaking negatively about the results of surgery that " my friend" had is that it was the person who failed, not the surgery. It's no different than......having knee surgery and then trying to go run a 5k three days after the surgery and then blaming that surgery when you end up in pain after 10 steps. Wasn't the surgery that caused the issue.
Some of these people seem to think surgery is some magic fix all, it isn't. In fact, it's probably harder after surgery than before. When you over eat before surgery all you have to worry about is guilt and maybe gaining a pound or two. Not true after surgery. You have to make protein a priority. You can't eat a great deal of sugar or even items that process like sugar. It's far from "the easy way out".0 -
I'm really horrified that these sort of practices exist. To me, they're just another marketing venture paired with dozens of others, and many profiteers partner with eachother and racket the hapless victims back and forth - from doctor to doctor, specialist to specialist, treatment to treatment. And what's more, is that our affluent society, so full of disparity in morality, sits by and lets it all go on in travesty - a mockery of decency, but a tribute to true, raw capitalism.
A quick fix is never a permanent one. To truly solve a problem, you must master the solution, and thus the problem. Be in command, take control, and put yourself in the position of power here, not some quack specialist.
You can do more; you can do better; and you can do it because you have it within you.
I wish you well, and pray that any who considers this proceedure to consider my advice also.
-Mal
Well said.0 -
hey sweetie,
I wish you luck in what ever you decide. I'm not preaching just going to share my story...
At 22 years old I weighed in at 301lbs. I was a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic, dangerously high blood pressure and dangerously high heart rate. I have fybromyalgia and spent my.life either at work or in bed... exhausted and terribly depressed.
A five year long abusive relationship had left me with a serious emotional attachment to food. I hated myself, I'd given up on myself and I was convinced that weight loss surgery was my ONLY way out!
I got refused surgery on the NHS as there was no funding in my area. I came across MFP and I decided I would give it a go. I went to the doctor got some good antisepressants, CBT therapy and I kept my friends list low on here and put my all into being there for them so I would get the same in return.
I gradually added in exercise. literally stepping on and off the wiI fit board for 5mins would have me in be
d. I was determined to not give up and the C.BT taught me something was better than nothing.
That little bit of exercise helped me mentally and I soon found my fybromyalgia feeling better. exercise was helping it. I slowly kept increasing exercise and will now walk 35 miles a week and do 5 gym sessions. It is my new thing I turn to
also I love music so I bought some great headphones. when I'm stressed o playmusic and it relieves it
I do slip up occasionally but not too often. I was a horrendous binge eater and I've stopped.
dealing with my psychological issues has been a massive factor. during the last year I've had to endure having 3/4 of my liver removed as contraceptives caused tumors and I've still lost 74lbs in 12 and a half months. I'm now getting my activity back up
I like numbers so a fitbit and hrm have been good for me. I reversed my type 2 diabetes (yes it's possible) my heart rate and blood pressure are normal... this changed very quickly with exercise.
I am now so glad I got turned down for surgery as I can go and enjoy meals out etc. I eat 1500 a day and 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30= fat. I only eat ssome exercise calories if I'm hungry for them as advised by dietitiian
I'm now down to 226lbs and I am half way to where I want to be. I was that.girl who didn't believe the could do it, I did have massive motional issues with food, I had no quality of life depressed, constantly in bed, believed I couldn't ever exercise... with support and determination it can all be turned around.
LIFE is GREAT now.... I know there will be no going back as I feel better physically and mentally than I ever have in my life!
My advice is to really brace these next 10 months. See if you can do this by yourself... I word have never ever believed I could. with the state I was in anyone can do it!
Good luck with what ever you decide. Think it's good to hear this from someone who has been where you are. My picture is last night I have a before on my profile if you want a peek.
message me with any questions!
Zara ♥0 -
I didn't read all of the replies so I don't know if this was brought up but ... do you ever plan to have children. Cause it is not safe to have children after the surgery. The baby won't get the nutrition it needs.
Think this through a lot.
That is blatant misinformation. While pregnancy is not recommended during the initial 12-18 months after surgery, it is completely safe to conceive following that year. Many women can and do go on to have perfectly healthy babies. Please check your sources before you perpetuate unfounded arguments.
Speaking of which, here are my sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy-after-gastric-bypass/AN01828/
http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-after-gastric-bypass-surgery
http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/pregnancy-after-gastric-bypass.html <<<this one in particular is really good. This lady actually experienced post-RNY pregnancy, and is in general a fabulous source of good, no-nonsense information related to weight loss surgery.
Oh, P.S. I'm on the road to weight loss surgery, have been pregnant, which means I too have a uterus, AND I'm a licensed medical professional. So yeah, I guess I'm qualified to give my opinion.0 -
LOVE IT MOXIECOWGIRL!!!!!!!!!!0
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Some of these people seem to think surgery is some magic fix all, it isn't. In fact, it's probably harder after surgery than before. .... It's far from "the easy way out".
Well said Rain.0 -
I didn't read all of the replies so I don't know if this was brought up but ... do you ever plan to have children. Cause it is not safe to have children after the surgery. The baby won't get the nutrition it needs.
Think this through a lot.
That is blatant misinformation.
Well said Moxie
People should think before they spout what they 'think' they know about.0 -
I have a friend who is "food" addicted emotionally but a truely religious person. She recently did a program online that had a journal, workbook, mentors and etc for spiritual health etc. http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/resources/book/lords-table
This was not for me because I am not religious in the same sense she is and would have found it uncomfortable. So this maybe applicable to some people but not helpful to others. Thought would put it out there because it is something that seemed guided to work on the why we over eat when simply counting calories and portions isn't enough. She saw her Dr and a nutrionist during it because she is diabetic. I think the emotional part was of more help than the actual meal plans.0 -
I can't say I approve, being almost 22 myself, no matter how heavy I am, I'll never get surgery to fix what nature can. What did big people do before surgery? Well they either ate right and exercised or they stayed big and died, but there was no magical fix.
If you truly feel it's best for you, then do it, but if there's any hope in the back of your mind that you can do it the natural way, give it a try, even if just for 6 months, give yourself a small goal and get to it.
I went back to re-read the OP's post and, I'm sorry, but where did she indicate that she was seeking your approval? :huh: That's right...nowhere.
It seems that everybody has inside information on somebody whose mother's hair stylist has a client whose aunt's ex-husband's new girlfriend had a friend who almost died, or regained all her weight, or gave birth to an undernourished baby, or developed a transfer addiction.
To the OP, please do as much research as you can. Surgery is a major undertaking, but it could be the best thing you've ever done for yourself, if you have the right mindset and commitment. WLS is a tool and, like any other tool, you need to use it properly. A tool cannot do its job unless you do yours. I wish you much success in whatever you decide to do.
Couldn't have said it better myself...exactly what I've been thinking as I've been reading all the replies! Surgery wouldn't be my choice but just because it's not what I'd want to do doesn't mean that you wanting the surgery is bad or wrong. I wish you the best of luck with this new journey happening in your life. 0 -
Hi Annette,
I know you are probably not reaching this decision lightly, but as many others have expressed, it is very possible for those who are morbidly obese to drop the weight and get to healthy without WLS. There are numerous people on MFP who have done just that including this guy:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/626293-3-yr-anniversary-307-lbs-lost-picture-heavy
307 lbs lost with just diet, exercise, and sheer willpower. It can be done.
That being said, I know others who have had WLS and also found success.
The only thing that really concerns me about your situation is the fact that you have a heart condition. I have a congenital heart condition, and any major surgery is dangerous and potentially life-threatening for me. Make sure your cardiologist consultation is independent of your gastric bypass consultation so you get an objective opinion not just the opinion of he doctors who will be operating on you. A good cardiologist should be able to tell you if your risk factors should or should not prohibit major surgery like this and what the risks to your heart are before, during, and after surgery. Just be sure you are fully aware of your risks, and I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you in the end. Good luck to you!0 -
It is your life and you can choose whatever you want and feel is best for you... that being said; after spending hundreds of pounds on diet pills, meal replacement shakes, ridiculous work out machines that do the work for you, swallowing pills filled with saw dust in attempt to stop me being hungry, I have finally grown up and realised (barring any medical conditions) there is only one way to lose weight. EAT LESS, MOVE MORE. It really is that simple.0
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I had gastric bypass 4 weeks ago tomorrow. I have been very blessed here in Arizona with waitstaff. They have all been very understanding especially my waitress at the Buffalo Chip Saloon the first time I swallowed too big of a bite and sat with tears in my eyes for 45 minutes while it worked its way through. I have found that almost everyone I encounter knows someone who has had bariatric surgery. Also, most doctors give their patients a card explaining the surgery and requesting the restaurant allow you to eat off the children's or senior menus. It is a tough road but I think it is going to be well worth it in the long run. I had no problem being on a 1200 calorie a day diet - I was just HUNGRY all the time and could not stick with it. GOOD LUCK!0
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I'm really horrified that these sort of practices exist. To me, they're just another marketing venture paired with dozens of others, and many profiteers partner with eachother and racket the hapless victims back and forth - from doctor to doctor, specialist to specialist, treatment to treatment. And what's more, is that our affluent society, so full of disparity in morality, sits by and lets it all go on in travesty - a mockery of decency, but a tribute to true, raw capitalism.
A quick fix is never a permanent one. To truly solve a problem, you must master the solution, and thus the problem. Be in command, take control, and put yourself in the position of power here, not some quack specialist.
You can do more; you can do better; and you can do it because you have it within you.
I wish you well, and pray that any who considers this proceedure to consider my advice also.
-Mal
I am totally amazed with all the people who keep quoting that bariatric surgery is a quick fix. We have spent time in a hospital having surgery, a week on a mostly water diet, learned to eat the proper food in proper portion sizes and still have to exercise everyday just like everyone else. Just how is that a quick fix?0 -
I have tried medically supervised diets in the past without very little success. I have had heart surgery in the past making the weight I am carrying around VERY dangerous. I can't get much into physical activity and take the chance of my heart rate getting too out of control. The reason for the 7 month diet, AGAIN is to try and shrink my liver before the surgery to decrease the chances of complication. I have been overweight my entire life...I know what it feels like, I know the struggles I have and the things I can and cannot do being overweight. The surgeon said that this surgery WILL save my life. I'm 22. I was told going down the path I'm on I most likely won't see 30. And that is a scary thought. I've not graduated college yet, I've not gotten married or had kids. There is so much I want to do with my life and I am 100% determined to change my habits and my lifestyle. Knowing how I feel now, I can say if I lose the weight I want to lose I would NEVER want to get back to where I am now. I have talked with many people, my mother included who have had bariatric surgery. And though some of them have had complications and will tell you its a long and difficult road to travel they would do it all over again because it increased the quality of their life 10 fold.
I am very new to this and will be undergoing a Bariatric Sleeve on 11 Oct. I have lost 16 pounds in preparation for surgery so far and have just started my 2 a week liquid diet transition period. One of the things I have picked up in your posts is the term "DIET" I think everyone is trying to tell you it is not a Diet before or after surgery (regardless of which one) it is a lifestyle change, the way you look at food, how easily you can skip eating a fatty food for a salad and the ability to do simple exercises. Walking is very low impact to your heart and I would suggest getting a good pedometer I bought mine on Amazon for like 36 bucks. It tells me exactly what I need how many steps and how many calories to plug into MFP. The change in eating habits will make you see things so much different, I just went camping and hiking for the first time about a month ago and am going again this weekend. I can now pass on food and substitute salad for a meal almost without thought. I am not familiar with the type of surgery you will be going through but do know the pancrease is not something to be messing with. Educate yourself Google is a wonderful tool to do so. I wish you the best and know we are all here to help you and everyone as best we can.0 -
9-6-12 is my date for surgery. its a long road but I am totally happy about my deicsion and have lost 20 lbs so far. start my liquid diet next week. dont let others change your mind, do what is best for you
Outside opinions can help her decide what's best for her. It's good to hear other opinions on the matter if the surgery isn't necessary for her. If it is, then it is. But if it isn't, then she shouldn't get it just because it was presented as an option that seemed easiest.0 -
So she thinks this is "easy"? Interesting.9-6-12 is my date for surgery. its a long road but I am totally happy about my deicsion and have lost 20 lbs so far. start my liquid diet next week. dont let others change your mind, do what is best for you
Outside opinions can help her decide what's best for her. It's good to hear other opinions on the matter if the surgery isn't necessary for her. If it is, then it is. But if it isn't, then she shouldn't get it just because it was presented as an option that seemed easiest.0 -
I am not going to tell you to have or not have the surgery done. I had my consult done and got my number (for the wait time to get it done) did everything they wanted me to do. Saw the docs got the lab work done did the diets and exercise. When they called me up 8 months later and said they had a date for me to have the surgery. I told them NO I was not having the surgery.
If I had gotten that call 5 months ago it would have been a YES I can be there in 10 mins. But after 8 months of diet and exercise. Losing weight and feeling great I didn't think surgery was for me.
So many things can happen in 10 months. You could change your mind like I did or you could realize this is going to be the best thing that is going to happen to you. Do what they tell you do, what can it hurt? You eat better you exercise and lose weight there is nothing wrong with that.
Good luck to you on your journey and hope MFP is able to help you along the way.0 -
Hi I had a gastric band fitted in 2006 when I was 20 stones and a size 32. I had the band emptied nearly 2 years ago as I felt I no longer needed it. I suffer with depression and anxiety and have always found comfort in food. I hit a bad patch and put nearly 2 stones on. When I went to have my band filled (under xray) they said that I was having difficulty with swallowing after just half a mil was injected into my port. I went away feeling confused as straight after I managed to drink a whole cup of coffee and a glass of water without difficulty. I went back about 2 weeks later and was told that I had to have my band emptied again as my stomach had stretched. They showed me the pics of my "stretched" stomach and said that if I dont remove the fluid then it could cause ireversible damage. I was stunned that they didnt noticed this at the time without having to go back. Anyway, I now have no fluid in my band and even though I was due for a band fill (today actually) I called them and told them that I'm doing fine without it. The lowest I have gone (while using the band) was 10st 13lbs. I then shot back up to 12st 6lb. Now I'm down to 10st 9lbs with the help of MFP!! I doubt I'll ever have the band filled again, I'm even starting to exercise now
I must be honest though and say that having bariatric surgery has saved my life, but it's not an easy fix. It can be very frustrating and you still have to have willpower.
I wish you all the best with whatever decision you make.
Take care, Vicky xx
Feel free to add me 0 -
I am curious to know why people chose surgery and all the complications that come with it instead of just eating the calories your body needs/requires and exercising? Granted I know there are people that have physical ailments and cannot exercise. But, is it just a matter of not having self control when it comes to eating?0
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Don't do it! If you can wait until May of 2013, you can change your diet/lifestyle for LIFE!
My 53 year old sister had it done and ended up having 3 strokes, had to quit her job and is now disabled. She's nice and thin though.0
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