Has anyone had Gastric Bypass?

Iceman420

My doctor has been pushing Gastric Bypass surgery for weeks. He makes it sound like the only way to drop this weight in a decent amount of time. I really don't want to do this because my job involves a lot of heavy lifting. I'm afraid I would tear something, and they would have to operate again. But I figured I would ask a couple questions here, in case I have to do it sometime.

Has anyone here had Gastric Bypass? If so, what are the restrictions after the surgery? Is it even worth it?

jjrichard83

I would exhaust every option before that.

Start with removing processed foods. Honestly I view it as an option for ppl with no willpower. Everyone around you needs to get on board and help with the willpower and better options. I was 275 and dropped 20 lbs in less than a month. Us bigger guys its much easier.

Plus your dr is being paid to refer people. My suggestion is don't do it!

callmekaro

I think it's ridiculous that a doctor is pushing such a major surgery on you when you are already making choices that will lead to weight loss. Just my opinion, but surgery should be a last resort. But I think you can do this all on your own. You got this.

RachelSRoach1

My Dad had it done... yea he went from 400 to 130... which made him look sickly... but now he is diabetic, he is gaining weight back, he was very very sick after it was done, and has a lot of health trouble that could or could not be related, but based on all it did do I'm guessing they are. Anyway just because you lose all this weight doesn't mean that you eat any better. That would be the biggest problem in my estimation. A lot of people would be so totally convinced that "of course they will change when they lose the weight" but I think it makes a much bigger impact for the long term if you commit to change and make it happen.

VictoriaWorksOut

I don't have experience with this surgery, but I want to encourage you to achieve your weight goal with food and exercise. There was a thread in discussion forums posted by a guy who lost 220lb in 2012. He has his own blog as well. He started out being 500lb.
Get your encouragement from reading stories like this from actual people who have done it, get in touch with them and keep in touch for support.
If you do this surgery you will have to make those habit changes anyway, but you will be limited on what food you can eat. Make changes now, and a year later you will not only be closer to your goal weight but will be able to enjoy all food without limitations in reasonable portions.

I know one lady who had that surgery, and she is not better off after several years. She still chooses fried chicken and fries over healthy food choices but now she eats them over period of an hour because she can't eat them at normal speed.

VictoriaWorksOut

Here is that discussion:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/859462-i-ve-lost-220-pounds-since-january-2012?hl=lost+220+lb

sarahmonsta

In my opinion, if it is what someone NEEDS to get the weight off, then there is nothing wrong with it. But like one of the posters posted it should be last resort. I am not 100% knowledgeable about everything that is with the surgery, but many people in my family had it done so I know about what goes on in their lives. All of them lost a lot of weight, and have kept it off for a long time. As for restrictions in the beginning you are supposed to eat a certain way, after so long with the people around me that have it each one of them had a different thing like sweets, meat, some veggies etc. that would make them sick. There is A LOT of stuff that comes with a gastric bypass during the experience (best Google it). Like I said if it is needed for the weight loss then it can be a good tool, but if someone can do it without it then that is a much better way.

fusion777

One of my doctors suggested it, it's the last thing I want to do.

I started a medically supervised diet, learning how to eat like a normal person. I'm down 90lbs since August (started at 321).

I'm technically losing weight on my own (following my program). I'm so glad I didn't even consider the surgery.

Good luck.

astrobob76

i have had gastric bypass. the lifting restrictions after surgery are only till your abdomen fully heals, approx 6-8 weeks if i remember right. i was out of work for 5 weeks, then had one week light duty, so 6 weeks till i was up and running again fully. its not an easy decision, and it is NOT a cure all. you will fail if you do not make the proper lifestyle changes in your relationship with food and excercise. i fight every day, because i did not change, not right away anyway. im working on it. its a slow process. to bad i didnt start working on my issues till 3.5 years post op

ddky

Unless your life is in danger if you don't lose weight quickly, don't do it yet. My sister had it done many years ago. It was a difficult recovery. She did lose a lot of weight, but she didn't do all the vitamin supplements she was supposed to do which has caused her a lot of health issues. But she didn't learn anything about nutrition or whatever mental issues was causing her to overeat so much. So long story short, she is now gaining weight again. You would be much better off if you can do it with diet and exercise. You can get great support on this site.

RoadsterGirlie

You have to eat healthier and reduce your caloric intake, regardless, with or without the surgery. Why do you need the surgery, if you are already reducing your caloric intake and eating healthier? I see you've already lost a little bit of weight - you can keep going. There's nothing else stopping you.

Every day I'm under the impression these types of operations are only money makers for doctors (and lawyers).

VelociMama

My doctor has been pushing Gastric Bypass surgery for weeks. He makes it sound like the only way to drop this weight in a decent amount of time. I really don't want to do this because my job involves a lot of heavy lifting. I'm afraid I would tear something, and they would have to operate again. But I figured I would ask a couple questions here, in case I have to do it sometime.

Has anyone here had Gastric Bypass? If so, what are the restrictions after the surgery? Is it even worth it?

That's all you needed to say.

Don't do it if you're not comfortable with it. Tell your doctor to STFU and offer some real support to you based on your CHOICES or find another doctor who will.

He should have sent you to a dietitian by now. If not, ask your insurance company if you can get in with one to help you setup a meal and exercise plan that will suit your needs.

nickyhill31

There's a guy in Halifax Nova Scotia who hypnotises people so that they believe they have had a gastric bypass. He does the first session face to face and the other 3 on skype. He's had some fantastic results... Maybe that would be worth a try?

demilade

I have had the smaller version of this which is the gastric sleeve. Its not as extreme as the bypass as you still have some stomach left. I guess the main benefit of this surgery is that you dont get some of the health issues like dumping that bypass people get, and becuase the part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone is removed, you dont feel hungry so its a lot easier to resist.

Regardless of what surgery you consider its important to remember that its a tool, not a magic bullet. Yes you can absolutely gain weight if you eat the wrong foods. I can choose to have 1/2 a cup of vegies or 1/2 a cup of icecream. Before you make any choice make sure you research it properly, not on here, where you will get opinions not hard facts. look at some surgeons websites and go to the online forums, you will get the good and the bad of the surgery. Make sure you see a psychologist as well.

This site will tell you the good, and the very very bad of the surgery, with people who have been through it to answer any questions you may have.

http://www.gastricsleevesupport.com

Whatever you decide, surgery or not, good luck with your weightloss efforts.

makaiya

My work gets me involved with people who've had problems post bariatric surgery. And I personally know people who've done both the full on bypass and the lap band. I even looked at it for myself at my heaviest of approx 265 lbs.

So, from my experience and in my opinion - no, don't do it. If you can do the diet and exercise now on your own with the help of a dietician, trainer and gym, do that. It may take longer, but I've seen way too many men suffer horrendously. And yes, I said, "men." It is overwhelming how badly the men seem to do. I was shocked when I counted up how many I've had in the ICU from infection, surgery do-overs, etc. And the women haven't lost as much as they thought. About half gained it back.

It takes meticulous attention to diet and exercise to have this work. And even then there are complications you may not be able to avoid. I say dietician, trainer and gym.

cubbies77

I told my doctor no way, because I'm not having surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. I've lost 48 pounds so far and see him again in a couple of weeks. I think he'll be pleased.

Now, if I had weighed a lot more and was having heart trouble and all that jazz, then I would have done it because it would have been a life or death decision. But my bloodwork and everything was fine, so it really was just optional at that point.

A lot of doctors recommend the latest and greatest, but that doesn't mean you have to do it. It's your body and your choice. If you want to keep losing weight with MFP as a tool and a support group, just tell him no. If you think your health is in jeopardy, then by all means, do some research on it.

Hbazzell

All of your friends here KNOW that you can do it without it. You know it too You have to sweat though and it will not be easy. Check out this guys blog. I love him. He is a big inspiration. I think you could find him motivating


http://www.gainsthroughloss.com/

Hbazzell

"Surgery can sew up your stomach, but it can't stitch up your mind. "


http://www.gainsthroughloss.com/2013/01/avoiding-gastric-bypass-at-all-costs.html#!/2013/01/avoiding-gastric-bypass-at-all-costs.html

Debbe2

I recommend that you work with a doctor that you like and trust and one you can partner with towards achieving improved health. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Tammy22274

First I want to start out saying that I am not against anything that will help someone with their health and wellness. With that said, I have a friend that had gastric done, and she lost a good amount of weight (not sure how much but a lot). She had to have a tummy tuck because of excess skin. When she had the tummy tuck done they really did a number on her and she had a lot of problems after. She has since gain 50 lbs of her weight back. Now I have another friend of mine that had the gastric and she lost a lot of weight as well and has had no problems an worked out through out her weight loss which help her not have much excess skin that she would have to have a tummy tuck. She looks amazing. Now I also have another friend that had the lapband done and she lost over 100 lbs, very little excess skin and she is happy and healthy.

The reason I told you about these 3 friends is to let you see that everyone is different and it depends on the person. Everyone reacts differently and you can not go by one persons succeess or failure.

I have recently talked to my doctor about the weight loss options because I have factors in my health that cause me to have a hard time losing weight. (confirmed by the doctor & many tests). I am currently on Phentermine to help with my weight loss, but the doctor was telling me there is another form of gastric. It is called the Gastric Sleeve. With the basic Gastric Bypass they bypass your stomach completely and you get a lot less of the nutrients when you eat. With the Gastric Sleeve they place this sleeve from your esphagus to the bottom of the stomach and have found that people get the nutrients they are eating and do not have to take supplements to cover the nutrients lost. So I think if anyone has to have any of these procedures done they should do their own research to get a better understanding of just what they intail.

Your decision should be based on your own research, and whether or not your are able to loss weight by controlling your calorie intake, and staying stricked on it. Some people have a hard time losing even when they watch what they eat and exercise, so the decision should truly be your's based on your own research..

Good luck and I wish you much success in your weight loss journey!!!!!!

twotontunic

There are a lot of people trash talking the surgery option on here that have clearly not had first hand experience with it by thier own admission. I really appreciate Tammy22274's response that addresses the one simple fact: everyone can react differently to ANY surgery. I also noticed that many that listed friends or relatives having bad results also noted that those people were not compliant with the post surgical changes required by the patient. For me personally, I was tired of feeling like no matter how hard I worked, the weight always won, my own poor mindset always won. I decided to combine therapy, which I started 3mos. prior to my procedure, with surgery. Know this, getting one's head straight about food, stress, self image, etc etc. is key.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy in October 2012. In 3 months I have lost 58.8 lbs with 19lbs to go (I was a lightweight but with long term hypertension). I have been compliant with diet, exercise and vitamins. ZERO complications. I went from XL shirts and pushing a 40 waist pants to Small shirts and 30 waist pants (I'm only 5ft5in btw). I no longer have to take blood pressure meds and with the vitamins, my hair, skin and finger nails look healthier than I can ever remember.

Bottom line, if you are going to have surgery, you have to be ready to commit to changes in your life. No one can decide if this is right for you except you but, you don't need a bunch of people who have no experience with this surgery filling your ears with uneducated advice. I recommend putting in A LOT of research time ( I personally researched on and off for about 3 years). Also, now that you've heard from all the nay sayers, put out a post asking those who have actually had the surgery to share some experiences with you. Go to obesityhelp.com and browse through the forums. My decision to have the sleeve surgery has changed the course of my life for the better 100 times over. Go do your homework and let that guide your OWN decision. People succeed with diet and exercise alone and people succeed with surgical assistance. I wish you the best.

RBXChas

I have not, but two members of my immediately family have. My advice: avoid it, or proceed with extreme caution.

One person had GBS about 11 years ago; the other person had it about 10 years ago. Neither had complications from surgery, so no additional surgeries (at least directly related to the GBS) were required. However, neither do heavy lifting on a regular basis.

I don't want to get into the details because they aren't mine to share, but suffice it to say that it's not a permanent fix. If you don't learn to eat right, you're going to gain at least some of the weight back, perhaps a significant amount.

There's also the issue of food addiction that may or may not be addressed. (I mean, it can be addressed, but in their cases it was not.) One of my family members who had GBS has become an alcoholic. He used to be a beer 'n burger kind of guy, but he couldn't have beer after GBS, so he switched to wine. Since red wine didn't sit well in his stomach, he drank white wine. He literally drinks at least two bottles a day of white wine (all after the workday - he does not go to work drunk) and becomes a really annoying drunk. It is not fun at all to be around, and then we have to make sure he's not driving. It is a huge source of stress for the entire family.

Personally, I would do everything you can to do it "on your own." Get inside your head, too, because that's a major factor - perhaps THE factor!

That said, if your doctor is pushing it, you need to get a second opinion.

trevebyn

Surgery is not a magic wand. It will not help you make the 'right' decision of what to put in your mouth. If you eat the wrong things you will still fail to lose the weight, or regain it. BUT if you really feel that there is no other way to lose the weight and you feel it is right for you then go for it. Just make sure you are doing it for you and not just because some doctor wants you to do it! Its your body and it has to be your choice, after doing all the research. Good luck with what ever you decide.

RLeighP

At my highest weight (292 lbs in December 2009) I was researching it, and was planning to find a doctor who would get the process started, but I gave myself one last chance to lose the weight myself. By January 2011, I had lost 115 lbs, through calorie counting and exercise. I am so glad that I didn't persue surgery.

If you have any doubts at all, don't do it. Go with your gut (no pun intended). You can either change you MIND to change your body, or surgically alter yourself, without changing your mindset. In the long run, it's so much better to change the mentality that goes along with food.

Iceman420

Wow, I wasn't expecting this many replies. Thanks to everyone who responded to this. You have given me tons of good opinions and information

Tammy22274

Twotontunic, It was nice to know that you have had the Gastric Sleeve and your results from it. You are also right, if a person does not stick to the diet and exercise after having the surgery then they are taking the risk of failing. The one friend I told you all about that had to have the tummy tuck, well she did not stick to the diet and exercise recommendation after surgery. She figured because she had lost all the weight that she was safe and starting drinking alcohol A LOT. Then she started eating little more in her portions until it got to the point where she was eating large portions. The procedure should not be ruled out because of what I stated about her having to have a tummy tuck. She did not follow through with everything and caused more problems for herself in the long run.

I am also not saying that a person should turn to the surgery. You definately have to get your mind in a place where you want to eat healthy and exercise. Even if you have the surgery and do not have the right mind set, you will end up like my friend I told you about who wasn't. Again everyone's body reacts to surgery, medication, and diets differently. You definately need to do your research, and at least try to watch your calories and exercise and see what happens before considering the surgery. You might find that you can succeed in losing weight, and then again you might not, but you can say you did try. Setting your mind to a positive state will help you in your journey as well.

I know how it is to have negative thoughts about losing weight because I have been there and still have some negative thoughts about it. I, however, have started counting my calories and exercising using this site, and feel that if I continue to make this a life change and stick with it that, I can do it!!!..

Never feel as if you are a failure because if you did try and it didn't work, then at least you succeeded in making that decision. You did not fail because you at least tried!!

Surround yourself with positive influences and people that are willing to help, Work hard, stay positive, and do it for you not for anyone else!!! Good luck, and keep us all posted on your decision, and journey.. Wish you well !!!

bdeezy3396

I have had the vertical sleeve gastectomy end of November and so far it has been very successful with very minimal issues. I too agree with those that state it's not a magic wand that you still need to put in the work, but I'm here to tell you it's a very effective tool to get you moving on the right track. No matter what you'll have naysayers that say it's the cowards way out, or that you are lazy, or have no willpower, but most of them do not have a good understanding of the procedures. As a matter of fact one of the processes you have to go through in order for most insurance companies to approve the surgery is a psychological exam. They just want to make sure that you are mentally fit and up to the life changes that you are about to embark on. One of the biggest concerns they mentioned as far as support was that you will be ridiculed by some for making this decision.
I would talk with others that have had the surgery, check out other forums like thinnertimes.com. There you can ask questions and get information from people that have actually gone through the surgery. Some people go through it without an issue, while for others it was a nightmare.

jobelle217

One of my family members who has had difficulty with weight their entire life is considering the sleeve procedure. As they have tried on there own many times, I am supporting them in this decision. Regardless of potential complications, if this family member does not lose weight, their chronic medical conditions will ultimately end their life.

Anyway, they are nervous as anyone should be. From those out there who have had this procedure, is there an online support group I might be able to refer them to in order to connect with others and hopefully encourage them to follow through with what is necessary for this to work?

thanks

bcoats001

it is a HUGE risk my mom had it done and in result of it has had to go through 19 other surgeries my aunt just had done a month ago and now her health is going down as well

LilyBugsMommy

What a great response twotontunic! Thank you.

darlene81960

I had a Gastric Bypass in 2004. I lost about 120 pounds in 71/2 months. I have kept the weight off until a couple of years ago when I had to quit work to stay home and care for my husband. It was the best thing I have ever done. I have only gained about 25 pounds back and am working on getting that back off. This surgery is not for everyone, but it was the right decision for me. I was out of work for about 6 weeks. I dare not think about what I would weigh now had I not had the surgery. I did a lot of reserch and asked a lot of questions before I made my mind up. It is a very dangerous surgery but if you are in good health and you have a good doctor, it really makes a difference. But only have it done if you are comfortable with it. Good luck.