Tell me again why I should NOT have gastric bypass surgery

natajane

My sister had weight loss surgery a couple of years ago. A gastric band. She lost a bit of weight, but not as much as expected. She has never lost all of the weight that she wanted to. What she did lose, she lost it at the rate she would have done just being more conscious of her eating.

This is because she never addressed her eating habits. She seems to drink more alcohol these days too, and had a period of time where she was gambling too much. So it is almost like she sought another way to deal with the feelings that were causing the over eating.

She's now depressed, on meds and seeing a counsellor. I wish she'd taken up the counselling to begin with and missed the in between part. I feel she'd have been in a better place.

In times of desperation to begin with I felt jealous, like I wanted the surgery. I now wouldn't even consider it, its not a magic solution.

I also knew a woman who had gastric bypass - she gained weight back, had to avoid certain foods she couldn't digest and suffered from complications and vitamin deficiency.

My sisters personality and your own are of course not going to be the same though, you need to assess what you think your personal barriers are and why you think this would help.

I think the most important thing that you can do when you feel like you can't achieve what you want to is to take tiny steps - set yourself a really simple goal to begin with, and build on it.

So you could have the goal to weigh and log all of your food on here honestly for 2 weeks. Not try to be in calories, just a goal to be aware. Then when you succeed, treat yourself with a lovely bubble bath or manicure! Something to pamper yourself but that doesn't involve food.

Then add another small goal - for example that you will stay within calories for 2 days a week, for 2 weeks. Build up your goals, be gentle on yourself and congratulate yourself when you do it. We build up habits over many years, it's so hard to break them in just months.

It is better to take it slow and be consistent, rather to rush in and try to change too much at once. That is where I usually fall down, trying to do too much and then failing.

Xxx

lovechicagobears

My other favorite thing about not having surgery = no surgery to fix loose skin.

This isn't a given. I have not had weight loss surgery, but I have inches of loose skin. I'm not in any rush to have the surgery to get rid of it, but loose skin and weight loss surgery are not mutually exclusive. I will very likely have that surgery at some point down the road, but I won't need it because I had weight loss surgery.

Fair enough. It just seems like, in my experience (and I realize that's anecdotal), everyone I know who's had WLS has had to have surgery, whereas very people I know who lost weight slowly and did cardio + strength training had loose skin. One friend did have to have a tummy tuck, but that's it. None of the cardio/strength/slow loss people had to have multiple surgeries on their arms, legs, abs, and butt like my WLS friends have.

natajane

[/quote]

I have friends who have had various WLS and different degrees of success or failures.... and you know what? I knew ahead of time which ones would have success and which ones didn't. The friend who had WLS after already losing over100 pounds went on to lose another 75 pounds and has kept it off for several years now. My friend who had all you can eat chicken wings the weekend before her surgery is now back up to her original weight.

I know that even with weight loss surgery, losing weight and keeping it off is hard work. I'll still need to use my other tools like exercise and food journaling. WLS is not the easy way out. It's not an escape from diet and exercise. It's not the "wrong way to do it" either. WLS does not make you any less virtuous for having used this tool to help you meet your goals. It's a deeply personal decision don't make it based on what other people will think of you. Make the best decision for YOU and go with that.
[/quote]

This exactly! Great post.

GeekGirl23

Just break up

annwyatt69

having wls is a decision that you need to make for yourself. Do the research, see if it is right for you. Talk with your PCP. Maybe even go and listion to a few informational sessions about wls (these are usually free and don't cost you a dime to listion just your time) You can really learn a lot of information about wls and weather or not it is for you

If you chose to go with this option, please seek a place that is a center of excellence.

Of course there are many reasons that individuals will give you on here to not have surgery including....

wls is an easy way out
people gain the wt back
it is about life changes not dieting and if you don't make life changes then surgery won't help either.

however they may not understand the process of wls....
there are many steps both clinic may require (ie: psy eval; dietian; exercise specialist etc) and insurance generally has requirements too, (unless you have promedica they don't have as many requirements or if you are paying cash pay then just clinics requirements)

Whoever thinks that wls is the easy way out is out of their freaking minds. It is 10 times harder with the surgery than without and the benefits often don't outweigh the reasons not to do it. I myself had gastric bypass and am doing well, but I had an AWESOME surgeon and dietitian and went into it with a lot of nutrition education, and had health reasons why it was best for me. As far as gaining the weight back, if you continue on the healthy eating plan, you won't. BUT...if you can make that choice w/o the surgery and have no reason other than a very high BMI, go for it w/o doing a permanent change to your body. Your body and your bones will thank you for it later!

taso42

Its been something that I keep coming back to when I fail to do well with changing my behaviors in relation to food and losing weight.
But I am healthy - no co-morbidities Yet. My only problem... BMI of 56... yikes.

If you can't change your behavior, you're going to stay the same. You can have the surgery, but you will return back to your current state. Changing your lifestyle is the only real and viable option for the long term.

And if you CAN change your behaviors, then you certainly don't need to get surgery - the transitional period between now and when you're lean and fit is just a small window of time compared to the rest of your awesome life.

mandyabraio

oh you guys, Im sorry. I went about this the wrong way. The reason that I am even here is because I am seeing a Surgeon and as recommended following thru with my 6 mo. dietician visits befor surgery and I get so super motivated and think maybe just maybe I really can do this thing on my own with out the help of a surgical tool then all of a sudden my motivation wanes. Cake happens and I am lost in a downward spiral --- feeling a failure. That indeed I can not do this on my own. I think maybe I am better asking for help in staying motivated. ... I did not intend on offending anyone... I have already done the psyc. eval and the Dr. are all in approval of surgery for me - they say I am in a good place in my life to proceed..... really??? I think I am mess and rather week when it comes to my resolve.

I had the sleeve on 11/5/12 For 30 years I struggled with my weight and weight related illnesses, I always thought I could do it on my own, but truth hit me square in the face when after 30 years of that thinking two of my doctors told me that I needed the weight loss surgery or I was going to die...WAKE UP CALL...yes it was for me!!! I will tell you that for me this surgery has been the missing tool that I NEEDED for 30 years but denied myself of! Having this surgery is the best thing I have EVER done for myself, I am getting my life back!! I am down 46 pounds and am about half way to where I need to be, but already I can tell a HUGE difference in how I feel, I am no longer on high blood pressure meds or diabetic!!! This surgery has saved my life!!! But it is a decision that YOU alone need to make and what is best for you!!!

Michshellars

Hi!

Not here to tell you to go either way, and I'm sorry if I am repeating what others have said. I am a Discovery Health fan and always seem to watch those gastric bypass shows, like My 600 LB Life, etc. I am also a Registered Nurse, and knowing what I know, I always feel like a big problem that isn't dealt with is the change of eating and all of the emotional baggage/issues that come with weight issues. The surgery may fix a physical problem, by making your stomach smaller and making you unable to tolerate large amounts of food. However, the stomach can expand and grow back. What you need to do is change your eating habits and the way you think about food before you go for the surgery, if that is indeed what you decide to do. Because if you don't, you're going to want to eat the same way you did before the surgery after the surgery. That is what I have seen as a big issue.

Also, if you are healthy, thank G-d, why would you want to go for the surgery, considering how every surgery involves risk? I'm not judging, I'm just honestly asking. I know losing weight is so hard and feels like a giant mountain you need to climb and feels impossible. But your mind is soooooooo much stronger than you think it is, and you can totally start losing weight on your own. Baby steps.

These are just my humble thoughts, good luck with you on your weight loss journey, whatever you decide!

sm1zzle

Its been something that I keep coming back to when I fail to do well with changing my behaviors in relation to food and losing weight.
But I am healthy - no co-morbidities Yet. My only problem... BMI of 56... yikes.

ask Kanye West

mrsdizzyd84

Its been something that I keep coming back to when I fail to do well with changing my behaviors in relation to food and losing weight.
But I am healthy - no co-morbidities Yet. My only problem... BMI of 56... yikes.

If you can't fix your behaviors you're destined to end up in the same situation whether or not you have the surgery.

I have a friend who had a GP. She is still eating terribly and is quickly gaining her weight back.

Whether or not you choose to have the surgery, and it is your choice, you need to fix the behavioral issues. But, one thing is for sure, you can lose the weight without the surgery.

jelias1

You should not have the surgery if you are not 100% sure that you will stick to the diet and aquire the self dicipline needed to see it through the end.

Gastric bypass is a life changing operation and it will work if you change your lifestyle permanently. There can be no diet for 3 or 4 years and then you go back to how you used to be.

My friend had it and she weighed 260 now a year later she is at 170 but it has been an uphill battle that she had to run up to not have to deal with the skin issues she had to workout like crazy. She was never allowed a cheat day, never allowed just a taste or maybe just a bite won't do any harm. It was complete dicipline and move forward or suffer the consequences.

She wanted to convince me to do it and I will admit that I am one those that sees it as an easy way out.
At my heaviest I was 505 pounds the hole that I had dug with horrible eating habits, no exercise and a bit of hypothyroid was so deep I thought I would never see the light of losing the weight.

Now at nearly 150 lbs loss with hard work, exercise, a properly balanced diet my lifestyle is completely different. But it was a success because I found that reason inside myself to truly commit for life. I started December 2011 by the way.

It can be done the old fashioned way it is harder and won't cost you as much as gastric bypass does.

Retiredmom72

You are the only person who can make this decision. You have to have the desire, health insurance, and time that you can take off from work. I know people (not on mfp) who had the surgery and DID NOT lose weight. I would have lunch with them and was surprised at the foods they were consuming.

Have you really tired everything you can and given your best effort to do it on your own? You might want to message people on mfp who have had the surgery. Good luck.

shortcake2011

Hi, My Dad, many years ago had the surgery. I do not recommed it to any1. If you cannot stop your over eating/bad eating hadits ect now without the surgery then surgery is not going to help. Sorry. I watched my dad sturggle for so many years. Foods he wanted to eat and could not. He was sick, lack of nutrients for so long. We thought at one point he was going to die because of this surgery.; / He had the stable stomache and the ring around the tummy. The ring did not let him hold down food! He could not enjoy food for 15 years until he had the ring removed. Then because he did not address the reasons why he loves food so much he has gained all of his weight back. I also had a cousin that did not watch what she ate and stretched the ring out and there went all the hard work and pain out the window. I think diet and exersice is the best way to go. If you want to eat something out of your diet then just exercise more.

Dannadl

HI,

My name is Michelle, I too struggled every day with gastric by pass, only because I wanted to loose the weight so bad. I too did not have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any bad disease due to my obesity. I went to my doctor crying and she did do me up a letter stating that I needed the bypass, however to my surprise the wait list is huge and I am so glad.

Having bypass is not reversible, you loose most of your stomach, what if I wanted more kids, it was very scary. I did however find a surgery that I was happy with. I did research on a lap band and I went on June 19,2012 and was banded. I have lost 50 lbs, I am so happy, and I am loosing the weight the right way. Plus this is reversible, so once my weight is gone I can have it totally removed. I went to Mexico to have mine done and I would love to share my success with you

Love,
Michelle

Dannadl

Actually, gastric bypass done by a good surgeon is in most cases reversible. That was one of the questions I asked specifically and had explained in detail last spring prior to having gastric bypass. There are a number of people who have successfully carried babies post bypass surgery. For me, that wasn't an issue. I waited until after I had my children to have bypass surgery. I investigated it thoroughly, did my research, asked all of my questions and kept asking until I understood all the answers. I had surgery in March of 2012 and as of Christmas day 2012 I've lost 110lbs. I've had no negative side effects at all. My blood and body composition is tested very regularly by my surgeon and by my primary care physician and I follow the rules that were outlined post op. I'm 45 years old and able to be active with my 4 & 6 year old sons and my husband. I'd like to lose another 100lbs and continue to change my lifestyle to do so. Bypass was not a cure, just a tool.

AESprouse

I was going to get this surgery over the past summer. I went through the whole process, was approved by my insurance, got a surgery date, etc. Then my surgeon found out I was bipolar and not on medication. He told me he wouldn't do the surgery because of it. I was super depressed and angry and said *kitten* it, I'll just eat what I want. I ended up gaining 10lbs in 3 weeks and that was the kick in the *kitten* I needed. I joined MFP and have lost 20 lbs so far, doing it the right way.

barky586

Here would be MY reasons:

1. It is ,MAJOR surgery.

2. It does not FIX what caused you to be overweight to start with.

3. It CAN be done without surgery. My starting BMI was closer to 66.

4. If you put your blood, sweat and tears into it, you have SWEAT EQUITY and will fight harder to keep it off and maintain it.

5. If you have the surgery, the loss will be soooo fast and you will have a tremendous amount of skin just hanging there.

nikolakis70

Also, it feels great to do it the hard way

pal00ga

Since you have stated that you are already doing the 6 month diet pre-op for surgery and that you are really reaching out more for motivation, that is what I will attempt to give you. I had gastric bypass 8 months ago, so I'm no pro, but I do have some experience and while it is still hard, I can't imagine having succeeded (this is just me personally) without the surgery.
Of course surgery isn't right for everyone. Of course you could continue trying to lose the weight with diet and exercise alone. So many people do just that. However, the reason so many people do turn to wls is not because they are looking to not have to diet or exercise (though some people do have that fantasy), but rather because they need something that will keep them encouraged.
Before, when I only dieted and exercised, I would lose around 15-20 lbs and then I would plateau for a long time and maybe lose a lb every couple weeks. Having over 150 lbs to lose and losing the weight so slowly (and sometimes not at all), I got discouraged after only a few weeks or months and reverted to old ways. With surgery, I still diet and exercise, but the weight comes off faster in the beginning which is a major encouragement for me to keep going and working even harder. I don't take it for granted because I know on weeks that I don't exercise as hard (hello Christmas break), I don't lose as much or I may even gain.
When it comes to food, I no longer struggle with what is right and what is wrong. It has become habit to choose healthier substitutions in my diet, and I feel it is true that your taste buds change and (for me at least), the healthier foods taste better now than they had before surgery. Also, simply eating healthy foods more frequently, you get used to the taste, so your body learns to crave those things. In the beginning, I thought of my new, smaller, picky pouch as my personal trainer in what I should and shouldn't eat. I followed the diet, but there were times when I thought something like 'maybe I could allow myself a second glass of orange juice in the morning'. In reality, even though orange juice isn't usually thought of as unhealthy, it is full of sugars, and while it is fine to drink it sparingly, I didn't need that second glass. And my pouch taught me that right away.
One of the reasons many people eat sweets and don't diet/workout is because they crave that instant gratification. The food is rewarding right then, the moment they taste it, whereas results from diet/exercise take longer. While wls obviously doesn't 'instantly' give you the health you desire, it does aid you in getting there faster. And on top of that, when you eat something that is very wrong or too much, you will instantly feel sorry for it. (Not everyone experiences dumping syndrome, but it is very real and I am thankful for it as it makes me view 'bad' foods as something hurtful and well... bad as opposed to desirable).
Remember though, there are also MANY negative aspects of surgery that can come up as well. Vitamin/mineral deficiencies CAN happen. You will have to take supplements the rest of your life. You can refrain from using your 'honeymoon period' (the first year or so in which you will lose weight quickest) to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and not lose as much weight as expected and easily gain ALL of it back.
Basically what I am saying is just that you will still have to diet and exercise, but if encouragement is truly the only issue that holds you back from sticking to a diet/exercise routine long-term, surgery may help you in that if you continue following the diet and exercise plan, you will see the weight come off faster than before. If you have other issues (depression, etc) that may be causing you to overeat, this surgery will not fix that, and you may find it more beneficial to first work on those problems and go back to trying to stick to a regimen without surgery.

Princess4Run

I am a nurse anesthetist and do a lot of bariatric surgeries, both band and bypass A LOT of patients develop complications after these surgeries even when performed by excellent surgeons. I see patients come back for years with various GI issues requiring multiple studies, EGDs, even hospitalizations. It is a super risky procedure and I would never recommend it to any of my friends or family based on what I see and hear on daily basis. There are MANY things the surgeon won't tell you or "talk the talk" of risks to outweigh benefits. Bottom line is that they do surgeries for compensation. I understand that serious weight loss is so hard but truly you MUST give It your 100% best try before considering surgery. Try counseling, support groups, nutritionists, trainers, spend $$ on yourself to help you reach your goal. You can't put a price on your health. It is worth it, you are worth it.

ticiaelizabeth

Ultimately this choice is up to you. I do know that my sister had this procedure about 8 years ago, and has had many complications since. The problem was that it didn't teach her better eating habits so the first several years were trial and error. Figuring out what she can and cannot eat. This often resulted in her over eating or eating the wrong foods and having to vomit. All of this vomiting for her equaled bad rotting teeth, many of which have had to be pulled, chronic heartburn, sinus issues and an even more terrifying relationship with food. This is not a cure all, you still need to practice self control and handle your diet carefully. If you do decide to go ahead just do so with much caution.

MyM0wM0w

[quote0Tell me again why I should NOT have gastric bypass surgery[/quote]


Why WOULD you have gastric bypass. You say that the problem is you fail to change your behaviors. If you continue to eat as you do now you're going to gain the weight back with or without gastric bypass. You HAVE to change your behaviors for any change to stick.... bypass or regular eating.

Don't give up, find out WHY you aren't changing your behaviors and work from there.

thedecuirs

I had the exact same experience. I would be rocking along, doing well on the diet the nut put me on... then I would fall off the wagon and every time it reminded me... I need the surgery. Hope this helps.