Gastric Bypass/

Crochetluvr

My ex SIL, a nurse( and the same age as me), had it done awhile back. She lost a lot of weight. I saw her a couple days ago. She looks like she has gained most of it back.

She never took care of the WHY of her weight gain. She never changed her eating habits. I would rather do what I am doing.

kmcintyre57

I had it done 8 years ago. Worked good for me (95 lbs) and then one year ago, I quit smoking and even though there were no changes to my diet, I did not exercise more for the metabolism changes from quitting, so I gained 40 lbs in a year and a half. Now that I have the weight balanced from that I am back on track to losing. That is why I am here. But back to the Gastric, I do not regret my decision, it really helped me with the mind over matter idea, the more the gastric helped me lose the more I did to improve my own way of eating, etc. My brother had it 5 years ago and gained half his weight back, because he went back to some old ways of food, however not all of them. I agree with the others that you have to use it to help but that it is a tool only and is still up to you. I also have two friends that look terrific and no problems.

_VoV

I was an early adopter of the RNY gastric bypass. I had the surgery in 1980 at the age of 24. I lost 92 lb, going from 232 to 140. My weight fluctuated from 140 - 170 for years, but after my second child was born in 1995, any advantage the surgery gave me with early satiety, and unpleasant reactions to very sugary foods, left me almost completely. I went up to and exceeded my original weight before gastric bypass.

It is NOT a panacea. You still need to watch what you eat. It also makes you prone to nutritional deficiencies--most notably iron, vitamin B12 and calcium. That's because the site of absorption is mostly bypassed.

There are also the usual surgical risks all operative procedures entail. I knew someone who developed adhesions and ulcers, and had at least a dozen surgeries to correct it, though the additional procedures made the adhesions worse several times. I know another woman who died at 30 after an anastomosis failure poured the contents of her digestive system into her peritoneal space. She lived a couple years in a lot of pain, before dying in a nursing home.

Go into this surgery with your eyes wide open, and for goodness sakes: if you can lose weight without it, do that!

AmyFett

Nope. I think it should be an extremely last ditch effort. It's not easy and it's a lot of stress and hard work, not a cop out like people think it is. To me, it's NOT worth putting my body through surgery just to get me to eat less. I can do that on my own.

spicypepper

I've known several people who have had one form of this done. They've all been successful at first, but if you don't learn how to eat and curb your addiction you run the risk of shelling out a lot of money for nothing. 2 of the people I know had to have it reversed because they suffered from malnutrition. Another didn't learn to properly eat and gained it all back and then some and the last one lost about 50 lbs and got pregnant, which they say you shouldn't do during the first 6-12 months after surgery. It was a huge health scare for her through the entire pregnancy.

Good luck to you if you're planning on doing this. It is not an easy fix, so you have to work on your mind, body and soul in order to make this work right.

12skipafew99100

My husband had the Rny 7.5 years ago and lost 145 pounds. He gain 10 back and has maintained since. He would do it again in a heartbeat.

holly1283

I know 4 people who have had it done. 2 were very successful and 2 would not stop drinking alcohol. The latter gained all their weight back plus. The 2 successful ones still exercise and watch their caloric intake. Their biggest problem was with vitamiin deficiencies. As was said it is only a tool and must be used wisely.

kaytee003

I know a lot about this type of thing My uncle had the GB I want to say 4 years ago now, he had sleep apnea, and diabetes along with being overweight, and he slimmed down that's for sure he looks great. There was a time where he gained some of the weight back but took it back off. I talked with him about it and he said he tries to stick with soups, he can't really go out to eat and if he overeats it comes back up. Although eventually your stomach would stretch back out.

My cousin got the sleeve. I am not as informative as this she had bounced around with her weight for a while and the sleeve took it off and she looks great, but I rarely get to see her so I don't know if she is keeping it off.

And then there is the lapband... which I think is weird since there is a port. I know 2 people that have had this procedure. one just recently but the other only lost 60 pounds and she was still very much overweight. I have known the lapband to only really be able to tolerate softer foods and this lady would constantly eat just ice cream and cottage cheese... macaroni and cheese... her diet was horrible.

I may be a hypocrite but I'm ok with these types of surgeries if people use them as a tool and not a "quick fix" or just continue to eat crap and don't learn from it. I could easily go and take the same road but I'd rather do it myself, so I can be proud of myself for it. Not that it's not the right choice for you! just make sure you can adjust to the lifestyle and become healthier with it!

ThinCarl

THis is a good site to visit to review.

http://www.renewedreflections.com/forums/stupid-questions/4443-long-term-success-rate-the-reality-and-putting-it-in-perspective.html

48vixen

I had the surgery Aug 7, 2012 and am soooo very happy. Have always been able to lose weight, but the struggle continually was keeping it off. I am so grateful for this surgery, yet I was very scared to have it. I am down 54 lbs so far and so excited. Know 5 others who have had the surgery and it has been a blessing to them all. It can be a great tool to help you learn to eat properly and smaller portions, to eat healthy and to exercise. But like anything else, if abused, weight gain can return if you sabotage yourself. I had tried all the diets and many of them work to lose weight, but the big deception is that none of them help you keep off the weight. My appetite would always win and also once I reached my desired weight, I had to exercise for hours a day and starve myself to keep the weight off. I could not maintain this long term and my appetite would eventually win out. For once in my life I am in control and can think with my head (vs. appetite controlling me) and have freedom.

WLS may not be for everyone, and there are a few horror stories and many nay sayers, but you know what there are far more people who die from obesity and obesity related diseases. I have a new lease on life, no more sleep apnea, no more snoring, no more gout, no more high blood pressure and no more pills, no more sore joints or sore feet, or back, reduced chance of cancer and heart attack. I feel wonderful and am so looking forward to the rest of my life and living it the way I envisioned it.

Way to go Carl! I had the surgery almost 2 yrs ago and lost 160. Still keeping it off!! I no longer have diabetes or sleep apnea. You summed it up I was the same tried everything and then hurt my back had 2 back operations and was not able to do any walking, exercise anything that is why I did the surgery. No one should judge they do not know the situation of others!

gerbies

I know 7 people personally (friends, co-workers, extended family) who have had various types of weight loss surgery (predominantly gastric bypass and a few with lap band). Every single one of them NEVER reached their ultimate goal weight. ALL of them have gained some weight back since their lowest. My most successful friend got within 25 lbs of her goal weight and has gained about 20 lbs back. The others range from gaining all that they lost, to about 1/2. I cannot imagine the shame and fear that one might feel after having this surgery, feeling like it would solve all issues, and then gaining your weight back.

As others have shared, a person must figure out how to eat well and exercise (exactly what a person without weight loss surgery needs to do). With weight loss surgery, you also have to be VERY careful with your micro and macro nutrients to ensure proper nutrition. I would NEVER have the surgery, but for some, either they do not have the discipline to do it themselves or they are in such grave health, it might be the only solution. Definitely do your research...

RainHoward

I'm starting the process. Still have to drop another 50 pounds before they will operate but I"m working towards it. Something I would say to any person thinking of having surgery or who has had surgery; the surgery doesn't fail the person, the person fails the surgery. You only get out what you put in and if you change your habits and your relationship with food it will only go so far.

holpak

I had the gastric sleeve surgery done on May 3rd of this year and it was the best decision of my life... i am now 71pounds down from my highest weight and loving life. The sleeve cuts 80% of your stomach away and takes away most of the hormone gremlin that controls hunger.. so i'm never hungry like i used to be.. to each their own but this seemed the best choice to me.. no maintence you are done when surgery is done no fills or foreign objects in your body... no rerouting of your intestines. Good luck with your choice!!

Onaughmae

It is an excellent tool...but it does not replace the need to watch your diet and exercise. Sometimes people want the surgery as a quick fix...and a way to lose weight without having to do the work. These are the people that ultimately fail. Even after surgery, you must commit to a life long change in the relationship with food. There is no way to lose weight and keep it off without putting in the work required. That being said...I am 5 months post op from a gastric bypass. It was the best choice for me. My diabetes is now perfectly controlled and I no longer have high cholesterol or high blood pressure. I also have to be meticulous about what I eat, and I have to exercise. Would I do it again? You betcha. I really believe it saved my life. Best of luck to you!

Onaughmae

I'm starting the process. Still have to drop another 50 pounds before they will operate but I"m working towards it. Something I would say to any person thinking of having surgery or who has had surgery; the surgery doesn't fail the person, the person fails the surgery. You only get out what you put in and if you change your habits and your relationship with food it will only go so far.

^^^this! :flowerforyou:

ncthomas09

I know a few people who have had it done. One of them even helps educate people who are interested. But from what I understand (at least with this program) you have to see a psychologist and you also have to prove you can change eating habits. That's actually how I found out about MFP is because a friend of mine wanted to have it done but had to find a way to log the food for the dr to see. So instead of making a spreadsheet my friend hit google and found this site. So now I am on it to count calories (no surgery for me!).

But as people have already said it is an aide and must be accompanied by a life style change. As with other diets once you hit your goal weight that doesn't mean you just stop what you were doing because you WILL gain it all back. I don't care who you are. Yes weight loss can be done without surgery but sometimes that surgery can be a life saving option. Plus there are about 10 different kinds that can be done.

**edit**
Also with my friend who found MFP...still has regular visits post op to the dr's showing logged food and exercise.

schustc

there was a similar post a few days ago, and someone posted that most of the positive outlooks are from those that are recently out of surgery (In the honeymoon phase). Not all of the.. but a good percentage of them.

Of those that have had weight loss surgery, and are out long term (5+years).. I think far fewer will be positive. I've seen people with vitamin deficiencies suffer long term, and not necessarily keep the weight off. Short term, it's great. long term, the food intolerances from what I have heard, go away and you can eat almost anything with little issue. Problem is, the intolerences get less, the absorption is still low, so you can eat what you want, absorb only a fraction of the nutrients.. Lose Lose...


It's not what the majority of people expect, and that's what is sad. They think it's a magic bullet - and it isn't.

Anyhow - I wouldn't recommend any weight loss surgery, unless your co-morbidities are severe and you need to lose weight quickly for your health.

Good luck!

emmeylou

Hello I did not have the bypass, but I did have weight loss surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy... I *highly* recommend it). The thing with ANY weight loss surgery is that no matter which one you chose, it is ONLY a tool. Will you lose weight? Yes. Will you keep it off? Maybe. The maybe depends on you and how much effort you put into it. You have to learn new eating habits and figure out why you ate the way you did in the past. The tool helps you get near your goal, but it is only one small step in the overall weightloss journey. If you perceive it as the miracle cure you are going to be in trouble eventually because it does not work that way. I'm not sure if you are asking for yourself, for someone else, out of curiosity, for advice, etc. so its hard to just randomly write about my experience.

I fell in love with my sleevie (cue overdramatic sigh ) and I would do it over and over again in a heartbeat if I had to.

Iceman1800

I know a few people who have had it done. One of them even helps educate people who are interested. But from what I understand (at least with this program) you have to see a psychologist and you also have to prove you can change eating habits. That's actually how I found out about MFP is because a friend of mine wanted to have it done but had to find a way to log the food for the dr to see. So instead of making a spreadsheet my friend hit google and found this site. So now I am on it to count calories (no surgery for me!).

But as people have already said it is an aide and must be accompanied by a life style change. As with other diets once you hit your goal weight that doesn't mean you just stop what you were doing because you WILL gain it all back. I don't care who you are. Yes weight loss can be done without surgery but sometimes that surgery can be a life saving option. Plus there are about 10 different kinds that can be done.

**edit**
Also with my friend who found MFP...still has regular visits post op to the dr's showing logged food and exercise.

not everyone will gain it back. Don't post statements when you don't know what you're talking about

btwenty

I had it done 8 years ago. It helps get you to a point where you can eat normal portions, be small enough to exercise and be mentally int he game to really loose weight. It is not a perminant fix. I can eat almost anything I want. I never got dumping symptoms (I could eat ice cream and wash it down with a coke if I wanted). I am working now to lose the last 40 lbs that I need to remove. I am down 15 but I can tell you I have to eat right and excercise to get me there. I would still do it again since I think I would have given up before I ever lost the initial 90.

consrvtvmom

I have a friend who had lap band done. I don't believe she has dealt with her food issues. She would overeat and then go throw up. She is now very active and exercises alot, but I feel that this is a sort of bulimia for her.

LikesVeges

I know weight loss can be so discouraging and difficult...and especially when your doctor tells you you must consider bypass surgery to save your life (due to severe medical issues). However, I feel it should only be done in extreme situations.....and even then, I don't know. (The greater your obesity, the greater your chance of complications) I see first hand the worst situations, professionally....and they are bad. You are voluntarily allowing your body to be carved and refitted. There is no rewind button, you can't put your miraculous body back the way it was. Surgery should only be for true emergencies. I could write an essay here.

Have you watched the Biggest Loser? I was so glad when Dr. Huizenga spoke out, lamenting the effects of gastric bypass surgery. Do you have life threatening hypertension or diabetes? GET SCARED! Change what you are doing to save your life! Read and watch inspirational books, blogs, and videos every week, every day. Just like many have said on this thread that they had to do hard work after gastric bypass....and that is what it takes to have success (If you don't have complications).....well, do the hard work now. You are fighting for your life.

Here's an website of one person's experience:

http://gastricbypasstruth.com/life-after-gastric-bypass/one-month-after-gastric-bypass-buyers-remorse/

All this said, I completely get why folks have the surgery, we want to live. It's the doctors that I don't get, when they see what I've seen and heard, yet still recommend this surgery way too often. If you do have the surgery.... you have to, have to follow the guidelines to the letter. It's not just so you won't stretch out your sleeve or pouch, it's for your safety.

JimLeonardRN

I had a gastric bypass on 4/9/12. Its a tool. You have to work it just like anything else. Friend me if you would like.

Leeannboswell

I wish you had a different photo.

ErinShannon

I had Gastric Bypass a week ago today. I started the process in January to begin to qualify for the surgery. There were monthly doctor appointments, physical therapy appts, psychologist appts, dietitian appts ,meeting with the surgeon, support group meetings, etc. It is something I have researched for about 3 years now - not something I went into lightly. I do not think this is a quick fix. This is a *TOOL* to help you in your weight loss journey. But just like every other single tool, you can fail your tool. Is this for everyone? No. Would I recommend it? Only to those who have done the research and fully understand and grasp what they are getting into and have also worked through the "why's" of their obesity.

I suppose some will come along and say I am in the honeymoon phase so of course everything is all roses, but I know I did this to save my life. I have no regrets having the surgery. The regret I do have is that I let myself get so big and so unhealthy that this became my last ditch effort to save my life.

technogal63

I am 10 weeks post-op from RNY gastric bypass and have lost 56lbs. I follow my eating plan, track all of my food/water/nutrients, and walk 2-3miles per day. I feel better and have had no complications thus far thankfully. My husband had the surgery almost 3 years ago, has lost 205lbs and has kept it off by proper eating and exercise. It is a wonderful tool for those of us who have been overweight and unhealthy for many years - a literal lifeline...

jaj68

my bff just had it done. I told my husband how much she had lost since her surgery two weeks ago.....15 lbs. I am up to 28 pounds lost. My husband said the best thing ever to me. he said.." and you didn't have surgery"

My thoughts on this are quite strong. It is not for everyone. If you have to adhere to a special diet after the surgery.....why not just do it before the surgery too? I wish my friend the best......but everyone I ever knew that had it done gained back a significant portion of the lost weight.

AquaFitQueen

I had the sleeve gastrectomy just over two years ago. The going was great the first year but then the weight loss slowed down...which is normal, but I still have a heckof a long way to go. Saw my surgical team last week to request an RNY to complete the journey and they were amazed that I am still losing and not gaining. I attribute that to MFP and working daily on the emotional baggage from a lifetime of obesity.

I know people who have had all the different types of surgery. Surgery WILL help you lose weight, but it will not do much to keep you there.

The only reason I am opting for more WLS is that I desperately need both hips replaced and I am still 474lbs. Soooo, I need the speed more than anything. If you DO have WLS, please stay on MFP and log daily. PLEASE. There are people here, some on my friends list who have set their calories for bariatric surgery needs and they get loads of support. Plus you will need to monitor carb vs protein intake for the rest of your life.

GOOD LUCK!

sebrantley25

I had the RNY gastric bypass done in Feb 2011. I began my journey at 480 lbs. 1 year later, on the day of my surgery, I weighed 466. I am currently down to 335 with 100 pounds left to go on the surgeon's plan and 80 on mine. I've been stuck on a plateau for the last 8 months. I know my problem, but the drive to fix it hasn't been there until recently. This is the main reason I've joined here.

pithole

My father had it done 10 years ago. He died from complications and infection a week later. There is no easy way to lose weight. It takes hard work and dedication. I am sure there are a lot of people telling you the same thing before me. If you can, try to talk anyone out of it too.