Weight loss surgery...

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Replies

  • embersfallen
    embersfallen Posts: 534 Member
    disgusting...

    Ok.... REALLY? Did you all BOTHER to read her entire post? PLEASE be a little respectful. This woman used to be a cutter...and is dealing with some severe depression. While I may agree faking a test, is NOT the best way to go, calling someone *disgusting* is certainly NO way to respond. I don't think she is looking for * easy* weight loss, so much as trying to find a way to get healthy...and feels she is hitting dead ends. She stated she was working on this since January, and only recently found MFP.

    From her post, I am thinking this means how it effecting her mentally and emotionally as well. Cutting them down gets no one anywhere, and especially with a history of cutting etc, is pretty harsh in my opinion..... I trully wish people would be a BIT more sensitive on here, this site is supposed to be for SUPPORT, not condemnation.

    Try to suggest some alternate means of getting results to her, instead of treating her disdainfully.

    And to the OP, I do agree, trying to fail a sleep test etc. is really not the best thing for you. I am sorry your insurance has some pretty narrow criteria. Have you talked to your Dr. about ways to deal with how difficult the weight loss is with the PCOS? There are threads on here about PCOS and weight loss. Some Dr's will use Metformin as a ways of helping treat things. I beleive it is related to insulin resistance in some case, so that can help!

    Have you spoken with your Dr. about getting on some meds to help your depression? If you do, I would ask specifically about ones that do NOT contribute to weight gain. My Dr. just switched my depression meds from fluoxatine ( generic prozac) to generic wellbutrin. That is supposed to sometimes aid in weight loss as well.

    I do respect the fact you are trying to stay away from self harming behavoirs! Have you asked your insurance if your issues with depression/past self harm might add to the criteria? Perhaps if you got a letter from a councelor, it would help? Just something to check with them on!

    There are also a few recently approved medications to help aid weight loss. You still need to eat healthy, workout, and all that good stuff, but perhaps they could help!

    This may also sound counterintuitive....but perhaps try to add 100 more calories or so daily and see if that helps. If you are eating at 1200, you might be stuck in a plateau...especially if you work out a lot. Your body may be needing more energy. That has worked for some to add 100 cals a day per week, and keep upping it little by little to see if things start to move.

    While in most cases I think there ARE other options, I also understand that surgery is the best option for some. It IS a hard road though too ( my sister went through it, and in fact, gained back a big chunk of her loss over 5 years..) ...there are often a lot of physical complications etc. Hang in there!!!!!!

    Best of luck to you! Don't give up striving to be healthy! For you, and for your little one!!!
  • DoomCakes
    DoomCakes Posts: 806 Member
    Seriously sick that you want to lie on a test to get a surgery for free. That's just low. Not only that, once you are labeled "diabetic" or ANY kind of medical condition, that follows you everywhere. Lying would be the worst idea possible.

    You're probably the type who has the definition "I've tried everything" but you're leaving out details like "I tried for 4 days" vs "I tried for a year". Weight doesn't magically jump off your body at a slight effort. It takes time. Surgery has complications, I know some lady who used to be morbidly obese, she had gastric bypass, now she can't gain a single pound and she's severely under weight no matter what she eats. On the contrary, a girl I work with last year went in for surgery. Guess what, she lost a grand total of 5 lbs. Know why? She still eats bad food.

    All that surgery is going to do is ASSIST you in losing weight. If you can't make the changes to switch to healthy eating options in the long term, you won't lose weight even with it. There is no miracle cure for your weight problem. No matter what you do, to lose it and look good (no excess skin etc.) you need to eat healthy and be active. Simple as that. One of the main things with WLS is the feeling of being full faster. Why don't you try reducing your current portions by a good chunk (for more than a few weeks) and see where that gets you. If you can lose a few lbs just by that then you clearly do not need surgery.

    Only time I think surgery is any good is if you have a life threatening illness directly associated with your obesity, and calorie reduction and exercise over a period of time is not budging the scale. Lying is just low and you should be ashamed of yourself for trying to find a quick fix honestly. Sorry if it's harsh, but yea.
  • brainfreeze72
    brainfreeze72 Posts: 180 Member
    My ex-husband had gastric bypass surgery. He had to try many alternatives to surgery before they would do it, including diet pills that he had to be on for 3 months. He only lost weight the first month and maintained the 2nd & 3rd months.

    He had complications with his surgery and was basically starving. He had to go through 2 months of recovery and then had to have his stomach "scoped" and the opening from his stomach to his intestines "stretched" multiple times to enable his body to process solid foods again. Due to his size and the surgical incision, I had to wipe for him for the first week. At 6'4", he was "morbidly obese" and went from 400# down to 190# and looked sickly. He has a scar since they basically gutted him from stem to stern, he has hanging, loose skin and he cannot eat meat, nor can he eat a childs sized meal and have a drink at the same sitting. He also had hair loss that has not come back in the 10+ years since his surgery.

    You should see a therapist for your emotional problems and you are so much better off talking to a nutritionist and your doctor and doing it the old fashioned way, with diet and excercise. USE MFP for support and encouragement.
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    No time for me to read all the thread. . .you mention you're depressed. Are you being treated for the depression? That would be a huge first step. Second. . .bariatric surgery isn't a picnic. My coworker had it done nearly 2 years ago. She ended up with a complication about 10 months later and had to have a corrective bariatric surgery done. Then, she had complications from that surgery. Finally, she has stabilized, but it's been hell for her. Her weight is down. But I doubt it was worth nearly dying over.

    I know you are sad. Just realize that your baby needs you healthy, whole & reasonably happy. Working hard at weight loss will be a great example for your child!!
  • I really feel for you, but you can't fake those kinds of tests. I used to work a health survey and had the privelege of getting to know a few people who had weight loss surgery. It really isn't an easy fix and for some it really is necessary. It will result in rapid weight loss and can correct a lot of weight related issues. But again it isn't easy on the person getting it by any means and it doesn't always correct the problems that were caused by the extra weight. It really should only be reserved for extreme causes. Rapid weight loss is not easy on the body.
  • JessG11
    JessG11 Posts: 345 Member
    Please correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the point of WLS for those overweight/obese people that have severe health issues that need to be addressed and fixed quickly with weight loss? It's not for people who have no health related issues correct? For example, due to my weight I would qualify, but I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure, etc...I have no pressing issue to led to me to lose the weight quickly. I have the time to work on it myself. Is this not the way WLS is intended to be?

    To the OP, I understand your struggles...many on here do...I encourage you to get therapy first and foremost. It can be just as life changing as losing weight! Good luck to you!
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    I don't care that some people on here are going to say that weight loss surgery is beneficial and be supportive. I'm not. People DIE from weight loss surgery and no matter what, if one doesn't change the problems that lead to the weight gain, one won't have long term success.

    I hope that you can give it more time.

    I get frustrated with this society that promotes unhealthy as "healthy" and then everyone wants a quick/easy fix.

    I am currently 218. I have been as high as 290. Believe me, surgery did cross my mind, but when I think about my child and my lifestyle, then I knew where to make the changes. I have all the worst problems: food addiction, binging, depression, self-harming, self-loathing, complex PTSD, emotional problems-you name it. We can make change when we really want to, without drugs or surgery. It's really true that one is what one eats.
  • ahinescapron
    ahinescapron Posts: 351 Member
    If you are having thoughts of suicide, you must get help immediately. Weight loss surgery will not fix what is going on in your mind. As someone who has suffered with depression for a long time, I know that it can make every obstacle seem enormous and life seem impossible to manage. You can lose weight without surgery, but you have to fix what is really holding you back first.
  • Athijade
    Athijade Posts: 3,300 Member
    You need to deal with your mental issues (the depression and food guilt) before you think about anything else. It is possible that these are causing issues in some way that is keeping you from losing weight. Depression especially can cause problems because you often are not thinking straight or being truthful with yourself as to what is going on. I am saying this as someone who deals with OCD, depression, and anxiety. When I am having serious issues, especially with my OCD or depression, I find I actually will lie to myself... but I don't notice it at the time. It's only afterwards when I look back that I notice those lies.

    Where you are right now, you would most likely would not be allowed weight loss surgery. You have to have psych evaluations and prove that you are willing to do what is needed to lose the weight. With your food issues and depression, that will be a mark against you.

    I looked at your diary and you have a lot of "homemade" or generic items added (like "tacos with blah blah blah). Are you making these items or are these being picked from the general list? If YOU are not putting these things in yourself, you could be SERIOUSLY miscounting your calories. Either make your own "meals" or "recipes" or add in every single item individually.

    And now I have to be even more blunt. It makes me angry that you would be willing to lie to your insurance and your doctors to get this surgery. That is low. To try and lie on the tests would be insurance fraud which could get you into a LOT of legal trouble and could include jail time. It is sad that you feel you have to stoop to such a low level.
  • SKP1986
    SKP1986 Posts: 392 Member


    She's considering lying to physicians and faking tests to qualify for surgery. This is someone that's making excuses. We're not talking about you, or anyone else.

    All you know about her is what she posted above. You do not know her struggles, her life and what has put her in the position where she would even consider such behaviour. It is completely wrong for her to do this but just to be told she doesn't need surgery is not helpful....what excuses is she making?

    I bet I can guess though, eating too much rubbish, taking zero responsibility and expecting someone else to fix it. Truth hurts

    Just so you know I measure and weight everything. I feel sick with every bite of food. I have to force myself to reach the 1200 calorie goal. My family thinks I'm bordering on turning into an anorexic. Every bite of food I take makes me literally cry. The idea of having to eat back exercise calories makes me want to cut myself.

    Step one is serious counselling, speaking as one SI-er to another. If you are having harmful/suicidal thoughts call someone now, a hot line or go here https://www.imalive.org/

    Weight loss surgery might not be the answer, simply because of the frame of mind you are finding yourself in, but counselling or a support group can help. There are others out there in the same frame of mind and it might be good to talk with them in a controlled environment. That's why I suggest a support group. Food isn't triggering for me, but plenty of other things are. If you want to chat, feel free to message me.
  • yertua
    yertua Posts: 4
    I had weight loss surgery ( a band) and that band is now empty and just sitting there doing nothing! i thought surgery was a quick fix, wrong!!! i was uneducated i was constantly sick. i ended up in a&e with an overtight band.
    Now, i take responsability for my weight and since i've learnt to face up to the fact its my fault im fat, and that diets do work ive come a long way|!
    ive lost 60lbs on my own in 14 weeks, i log every food, i read every food.
    If youre not educated about food, surgery will not work and please believe me when i say it is not an easy route.
    and please please dont lie to doctors, grab the abundant support on here and get stuck in and turn your life around.

    This happened to me. I got my band, lost 4 stone by eating barely anything and throwing up 95% of what went in my mouth cos the band was too tight - which eventually caused it to slip. Ended up in emergency surgery and in the 3 months afterwards, I put 3 of the 4 stone back on. Now I've got rid of 2 and a half of that 3 stone by myself, through healthy(ish) eating and exercise. Surgery really isn't the easy option.
  • letjog
    letjog Posts: 260 Member
    Ketoacidosis? Then you ARE diabetic.

    And low carb does not cause it.
  • When you say you were not doing everything you could to lose weight and you had to become brutally honest, what were you not doing if I might ask? I want to make sure that I am not lying to myself as well and I want to learn from others. Self evaluation is key in everything that we do.
  • RuthieCass
    RuthieCass Posts: 247 Member
    Guess what those weight loss surgeries do? They cause you to lose weight by forcing you to *eat less.* They are not magic. You will still have to get your diet under control. I really can not believe that someone your size would gain weight on 1200 calories a day. If so, then congratulations for having a body that can not only seemingly pull energy from nothing, but also can make new fat tissue out of thin air.

    It doesn't sound like you are being honest with yourself about your eating patterns. Maybe seeing a therapist could help you work on this, along with your depression, self-esteem, and self-harming behaviors. I would suggest doing that over trying to game the system to get surgery.
  • ivy9494
    ivy9494 Posts: 5 Member
    Why would you risk your life for NOT having the surgery if your life is already already at risk from being so obese? Don't lie to you doctors about your comorbidities ... they will be able to determine them easily enough and will guide you through the process if you're a candidate for surgery or not.
  • AlicynH
    AlicynH Posts: 201 Member
    I had surgery and it's not all a piece of cake. It works for about the first year. I eventually gained back half of what I lost. There are also a lot of complications that can occur from surgery. I was lucky that I came through without any. Some in the support group I went to had horrible ones. Even after surgery you still have to eat right. I didn't. The only way I've lost those pounds I gained is through diet and exercise.
  • drwgal
    drwgal Posts: 66
    I was browsing your diary, and it appears to me, that you are simply NOT eating right. There was one day where you had a Jelly doughnut as a snack....that doughnut had MORE calories than your entire lunch did. All your snacks are unhealthy, from ice cream, to soda and doughnuts. Mcdonalds for breakfast??!!!! How do you expect to weigh and measure a Mcdonalds breakfast sandwich? You need to choose things like fresh raw baby carrots, or a piece of fruit, or a tablespoon of peanut butter as snacks. I see no way in heck where your eating properly and healthy. If you are only taking in 1200 calories a day, then at least half of those calories are pure sugar and pure JUNK! If this is what the 9 months worth of dieting diary consisted of when you seen a nutritionist, then you need to talk to a different one, because I can sit here and tell you right now, what changes your diet needs.

    I know this seems harsh, but I'm just being honest, and I think you need to start being honest with yourself. I seen a few things that looked healthy on your diary, but from what I see about 90% of your diet is crap, and that WILL NOT help you lose weight. I know everyone is entitled to their pity party, but I can't seem to find sympathy to someone who is not taking the necessary steps to lose weight, sure you may be working out, but from the looks of your diary, it will take you 10x more work to get to where you want to be. This isn't about not being able to lose weight, I think this is about self discipline. You MUST stay away from all that crap food if you really want to make progress. It's okay to have something sweet every now and then, but everyday is just not going to cut it for you. I have one day a week where I allow myself a naughty, whether it is a can of soda ONE can, or ONE snickers bar, it's one thing a week. Not 3 things a day. Yes i'm riding your butt about it, because you need to see it for yourself.

    I do wish you the best of luck in your journey, but you really, really, need to do some soul searching, and make sure you are HONEST to everyone. When you said you were willing to lie, and commit a crime for WLS, I should have known it was very and highly likely, you are lying about what your eating, and how much you are eating.
  • moxiecowgirl
    moxiecowgirl Posts: 291 Member
    Ketoacidosis? Then you ARE diabetic.

    And low carb does not cause it.

    That's not necessarily true. While ketoacidosis is most commonly found in people with Type I diabetes, that's not the only cause. Some liver and kidney disorders can cause it, as well as extreme alcoholism.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketoacidosis

    That said, you are correct that a low-carb diet doesn't cause it. I believe the term related to low-carb dieting is ketosis, which is not the same thing. But don't quote me on that.
  • 55AngelH55
    55AngelH55 Posts: 117
    i'm with everyone else. its absolutely despicable that you would LIE in order to get weight loss surgery!!! There are so many other people out there with ligitimate reasons for getting the surgery. Suck it up, stop putting food in your mouth and move your body EVERY DAY!!!!!!!

    You are not with EVERYONE else. The girl admits that she is depressed. Don't make it worse.
  • drwgal
    drwgal Posts: 66
    i'm with everyone else. its absolutely despicable that you would LIE in order to get weight loss surgery!!! There are so many other people out there with ligitimate reasons for getting the surgery. Suck it up, stop putting food in your mouth and move your body EVERY DAY!!!!!!!

    You are not with EVERYONE else. The girl admits that she is depressed. Don't make it worse.

    The only thing that can honestly make it worse, is her not seeking the professional help that she seems to desperately need. It would not be us or our comments necessarily making it worse, but if she sits there and does nothing about it, it is only her own fault. Her weight is causing the depression, the fact that she cannot seem to eat right is effecting her weight....the truth hurts sometimes, but I think the last thing someone like this needs is a huge pity party. People feeling bad for her will not get her out of the depression or bad eating habits either. There are people out there that go out seeking sympathy from others as a form of attention seeking, but when they sit there and try to make people feel sorry for something they refuse to get help for...it is their own fault. I have clinical depression, severe anxiety, and I used to be a cutter...You don't see me posting this stuff, I went and got help.
  • tanda9
    tanda9 Posts: 1
    I understand how miserable you must feel, but I do believe that losing weight 'naturally' is the best way... and it is possible most definitely. I would suggest you go to your local (hospital) dietician (might need to be referred by dr.) A meal plan can be prepared for you and with that help and the help here at MFP, you will succeed. Perhaps you are not eating enough? Perhaps you are not eating enough clean, non processed foods? Don't focus on the scale for the first little while being on this 'plan', but focus on your new healthy lifestyle changes. Don't give up on yourself or your family. Look at all the success stories on MFP. Get inspiration from them. I do believe you can do this. Losing weight is never easy or we'd all be skinny. It takes a lot of hard work... but it is going to be so worth it. Hang in there. Before you know it, you'll be posting success stories here. (Oh and don't forget to drink your water). YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
  • schart1978
    schart1978 Posts: 4 Member
    Hmmm quite dissappointed actually... I had the gastric sleeve last October. I DID HAVE sleep apnea, HBP, GI issues etc. I think its aweful that you want to fake something to have it done when other people would love to be healthy etc.
  • 55AngelH55
    55AngelH55 Posts: 117
    i'm with everyone else. its absolutely despicable that you would LIE in order to get weight loss surgery!!! There are so many other people out there with ligitimate reasons for getting the surgery. Suck it up, stop putting food in your mouth and move your body EVERY DAY!!!!!!!

    You are not with EVERYONE else. The girl admits that she is depressed. Don't make it worse.

    I have clinical depression, severe anxiety, and I used to be a cutter...You don't see me posting this stuff, I went and got help.

    ..... which simply means you're at a different stage of emotional, psychological, and physical healing than she is. So how can you judge her? You haven't lived her life, and you don't know everything she's going through. I'm not saying lie to her, but there's no need to be harsh and overbearing. Of all people, you should know better.
    Good for you that you went and got help. Clearly, then, there was a point where you needed help and didn't have it. Don't be so hard on her.
  • schustc
    schustc Posts: 428 Member
    Where to start? First, I had the band placed about 9 yrs ago. Was GREAT for the first months. I went from 274 to about 234. Was thrilled. Then it stopped. I spent the next 8 yrs yoyoing and the lowest I got was 225. After I got pregnant and had my daughter, I was around 240~245. Then I started having complications. I was burping water in my sleep at night, then inhaling it and choking. I couldn't eat anything unless it was slathered in mayo or ketchup, or it would get stuck. I could not eat fruits and veggies. Cookies, milkshakes, processed foods,no problem. I got to the point I couldn't keep stuff down. I knew the band was too tight, and went to the Dr for an emergency unfill(deactivate)the band. I told the dr I wanted to eat fruits and veggies and be healthy, he told me I did not need fruits and veggies to survive. I was to go back in 6 weeks to reactivate the band. I never went back. I ballooned back to 268. Depressed and dejected can't say how horrible I felt. I believed I was doomed , but there was a part of me that knew there had to be a better way. I lived my life believing that skinny people walked around starving all the time. I had a tiny ray of hope - part of me believed there had to be a better way..

    And.. I found it! I have done this without the band! I have lost more weight than I did with the band. Feel better, eat what I want, have pizza or Mexican once a week, eat every 2-3 hours, am almost never hungry, have learned to love fruit and veggies started heavier than you, and eat MORE than you.!

    You can do this! 1200 calories is way too low for u, I average at least 1500 or more, probably closer to 1700, and I weigh less than u now. You should be eating at least 1700 calories. Surgery will likely not help you, because u are already eating so little for your weight. you CAN do this! Friend me if want... take care
  • Aedrah
    Aedrah Posts: 100 Member
    This might get buried, but just wanted to add here.
    Surgery is not the answer. I have had 2 close friends who had this surgery. Both lost weight for a year, and then re-gained it and then some. Imagine how mortifying that was for them, not to mention the risks they took and money they spent. All for naught at this point.

    I'm not saying the surgery isn't without benefits and I don't know you or your situation, but for the surgery to work, you need to change habits for good and stick with it for life. Not a decision that should be made lightly.

    Best of luck to you, and you can do it without surgery!
  • Hi im stephanie i was also in your place and still are my insurance approved me for surgery the gastric sleave i went through the 6 month of testing and had my app for surgery i called it off two days before surgery i know its hard to loose weight i struggled with weight loss my whole life but i have 3 beautiful children all under 10 years old god forbid i die also i didnt want people to think i took the easy way out doing surgery i decided i was going to loose weight on my own i had lost 60 pound on my own before i went to a weight loss doctor who put me on a 500 calorie diet i walked a hour a day and lost 60 pounds in 2 1/2 months it was hard but i did it and i know you can do can you imagin the feeling you would have doing it on your own its amazeing i started my weight loss last week started at 278 and are now 269 im trying not to eat more then 900 calories a day and walk at least 30 min 3 times a week and its working i find that when i cheated i just gave up and continued eating this time when i make a mistake i dont continue eating and i start all over again the next day set reasonble goals for your self and when you want to eat something eat it just dont eat as much as you usually will if everyone is eating pizza and you know when your not dieting you would eat 3 only eat one and like you i used to be depressed all the time about the way i looked now i just embrase it im beautiful god made me this way but i could be more beautiful if i work hard if you are depressed all the time and dont feel good about your self how can you progress? you need to look in the mirror and say how beautiful you are and you can do it tell your self i can loose weight on my own because im worth it the results from surgery arent perm you can easly gain that weight back prove to your self you can do it you will i know it and i tell my self that everyday kit let me know how you are doing and i will pray for you that you will loose this weight on your own good luck:smile:
  • AmyFett
    AmyFett Posts: 1,607 Member
    It's disgusting that you would want to fake a condition for a fast way to lose weight...

    I agree. Work hard. It'll pay off. Side note, have you been checked for a thyroid issue, or any other problem?
  • Lozze
    Lozze Posts: 1,917 Member
    Also, how long has it been since you had your child? Could it be that you are suffering from Post-partum depression?

    I can't believe it took four pages for the obvious point to be made.

    OP go to your doctor NOW. Depression is horrid and when you are in the grip of it your whole life is black.

    I didn't start losing weight till I was in therapy. The therapy I did helped me change my mindset and thought process. It wasn't until this happened that I was able to start weight loss. Get the help for your depression. Your weight is really a secondary issue right now.
  • onedayillbeamilf
    onedayillbeamilf Posts: 966 Member
    Ummmm.....no.
  • AmyFett
    AmyFett Posts: 1,607 Member
    Oh, I just read about the thyroid. But come on. I'm 5'2 and my highest was 228, AND am hypothyroid. I've lost 14 lbs in a month and a half, give it time. It will come off. All the negativity and stress isn't helping. I personally think it's completely idiotic you're thinking about surgery so soon. It's NOT a quick fix, and that's what you're wanting it seems.

    Hard work and sweat pays off. And the fact that you're so depressed and thinking of harmful behavior.. you need to tell your doctor about that. Meds sometimes help. He/she can prescribe you something that might help with the weight as well.

    What ever happened to people just making the most of things and being positive and thankful for what they HAVE in life, as opposed to what they DON'T HAVE. You're healthy, I don't understand why you would want something to be wrong with you to just have an excuse for surgery. Ugh... Come on.

    Oh and edit here.. the fact that you said you were/are a cutter, isn't that all about getting attention? Is this post just for attention? I hope for your child's sake you've stopped that foolish behavior.
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