Weigh lose surgery = Do's, Don'ts, Opinions! Need help!

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Replies

  • cindl24
    cindl24 Posts: 178
    I have to say, I agree with the others that say not to do it unless you have NO other options. I work at a nursing home and have seen some of the long-term "results" of the various weight loss surgeries. Most of them, like most dieters, managed to gain back all of their weight. Others just gained back some (a significant portion) of the weight. Some have some major digestive issues as a result. We all want the weight to come off quickly and to see the results. We are a very instant society. Shoot, I can get impatient waiting for the microwave to heat something! But it is important to realize that it took us a very long time to put all this weight on, so it'll take a while for it to come back off. Have faith in yourself and give this program a good chance to work. Like people who quit smoking, you have to have it in yourself to really want change. You are worth the effort. :happy:
  • lee91356
    lee91356 Posts: 330 Member
    My insurance has a similar process and my friend took the class and said that she learned so much that she decided after the class, in which that time she dropped over 20 pounds, not to have the surgery and she's still doing great. She said it was really useful because it involved hand-on working with a dietitian and a behavioralist and a support group, things she said she never did nor would have done for herself and learned so much about real nutrition and health, not just about dieting.

    Don't listen to all the stuff they fill your heard with, my friend said that they only say positive things and don't warn you about any negative things in the long-term or talk about how people regain their weight even after having surgery, or possible complications, in the class because of course the insurance wants you to have the surgery, they think its cheaper for them, do your own research and make your own decision.

    So even if you dont want the surgery, or your unsure, take the class and get the free help. :happy:
  • judyde
    judyde Posts: 401 Member
    My husband had Gastric Bypass Surgery in April 2012, and in 5 months has lost 116 pounds (from 285 to 169.) He's done well on it, but I agree with others that there are some cons.

    First, are you an emotional eater? If so, I'd advise against it. My husband just liked to eat and was never full. Now he's full from small portions, so he's fine. But if you like to eat because you're upset or bored, it's not a good choice for you. He has had a few episodes of throwing up ("dumping syndrome") from it, but it's gotten better as he's learned what he can and can't eat.

    He also has loose skin/fat from the surgery. His stomach is soft and squishy because he has not incorporated exercise yet. So you could end up thin and flabby and not feel any better. But you will almost certainly be at a healthier weight.

    My husband is no longer on his CPAP machine to sleep. His blood pressure is down, his heart rate and cholesteral are all good.

    We have a really good program in our area at Bryn Mawr (PA) Hospital with psychiatric evaluations, nutrition counseling, etc.

    It's not the right decision for everyone. Just be honest with yourself and your eating motivations to find out if it's right for you.

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