Journey in Weightloss Surgery, Looking for Support

Quasita
Quasita Posts: 1,530 Member
in Motivation and Support
My name is Lynn, and today, I'll be attending an educational seminar about the surgical options available for weight loss and obesity treatment. The only information I have so far is from self-education, and from one person I know personally that has had a procedure and is still alive (I have had one friend pass away from complications).
As you can imagine, knowing someone who has died from getting a bypass done makes me really hesitant, and I have been avoiding this for years.k However, my physician recently stated that he thought it was time to explore it as an option.

The reason we are exploring it is because for the last 3 years or so, I've been on a rollercoaster of weightloss. During times of loss, I have dropped anywhere from 20-60lbs, which of course gets great response from my physician. The problem comes when my other physical issues flare up. I have had symptoms of lupus and MS for my entire adult life... I don't have these diseases, but it's a way to explain the debilitating bouts of pain I become subject to. These flare ups of issues inevitably stall my progress, and in many instances, begin to reverse it due to becoming suddenly sedentary and my unfortunate tendency towards emotional eating.
This last stint has been about a year. I started at 485, got all the way down to 430 before I got blindsided with some acute medical issues that required surgery and bedrest. Thankfully, I have not gained it all back, but I have returned to my "status quo" of 450lbs. The last 6 months have destroyed my previously successful path, and when I landed back at the doctor again for acute pain management issues, he defeatedly sighed and said, I think it's time to face the fact that being aggressive may be your only option.

Anyway, I have a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a DO, and a pain specialist all in place for my medical/psychological support team, and I have a couple people in person ready to help me post surgery till I find my footing. However, I'm hoping to find some REAL LIFE people that have either had this done or are about to start the journey as well, who are up for supporting a vulgar, sarcastic 30 year old woman on the journey that could possibly change her life forever.

Anyone out there looking for the same? Please let me know!!! I write blogs, update my status, and have a support group on FB following my progress. I use MFP and BodyMedia to monitor my stats. I'm on EarndIt for points. Let's be friends :)

Replies

  • raindancer
    raindancer Posts: 993 Member
    At my heaviest I tried to convince my insurance I needed the RNY but even at 306lbs. They said no. I had no health issues except that I was morbidly obese. I have been 8 years losing 93lbs but I just keep trying.
    I wish you luck in your weight lose journey.
  • d2footballJRC
    d2footballJRC Posts: 2,684 Member
    Hey Q.

    I'm with you on this. We got this! I'm thinking about attending this seminar as well. HOW WEIRD IS THAT! ;-)

    At my heaviest I was around 390 pounds, I'm down a bit more than my ticker says. I've been using bodymedia I've had problems with big rebounds even when eating right. Sometimes my body just doesn't agree. No big health issues currently besides Anxiety and a small bit of apnea. I look forwarding to learning about all the options. One thing that does worry me, is if I go through a surgery like this, does that mean I'm stuck eating 1200 calories the rest of my life?

    One of the reasons I ask that is my body media is placing me at burning around 4k calories a day without working out. On workout days that number is much higher. My issue is when I do get to the weight I want, I want to really start packing on some muscle which is going to require a bit more than 1200 calories to accomplish.

    As for support, I don't have a lot of support in my life. Mainly my 3 year old. He supports me more than he knows! I probably need a therapist for my anxiety, I used to have one but he upset me and angered me so I never went back. We can rock this!
  • DanielleMN
    DanielleMN Posts: 24 Member
    I had gastric bypass surgery almost 9 years ago. It has changed my life. I have not lost all the weight I wanted to, but I am still working on it. They always tell you that WLS is a "tool" in losing weight and that is true. You still have to work hard but it is easier. You don't have to be at 1200 calories for the rest of your life. I'm at about 1800 right now and still losing weight.

    Many of my friends have had WLS surgery. Only 2 had serious complications (slow wound healing, hernias, etc.) which is probably more likely if you have diabetes or smoke. I have diabetes but it did not affect my healing. I probably have 20 friends who went through the surgery without problems. I have a lot of fat/formerly fat friends!

    When I started this journey, I weighed 528 pounds and could barely walk. Now I weigh 285 pounds (I'm 5' 11"). Definitely not my ideal weight but MUCH better off than I was. The worst part for me is the loose skin.

    Best of luck to you! Add me as a friend if you like.

    Danielle
  • nashbear
    nashbear Posts: 131 Member
    There is a group.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/207-weight-loss-surgery

    There are 459 people that have had or are on the path to the surgeries. There are many types. Join the group and you will get tons of support. Good luck.
  • rjo921
    rjo921 Posts: 130
    I commend you for making the decision and possibly taking the next step in your journey. I had a friend who had the surgical procedure done when GBS was in its infantcy. It really worked for her and to this very day looks fantastic. She said it was the best thing she could have ever done for herself.

    One thing that you also might want to think about is this....if you decide to have the procedure....lose the weight....you might need to bring a plastic surgeon into your discussion. You might not have a choice to have some things lifted and tucked afterwards.

    All the best to you with this. I know that you will make the best decision for you. :smile:
  • d2footballJRC
    d2footballJRC Posts: 2,684 Member
    The Seminar was very very informative. Mentally I'm not ready for it. I got way to queasy. The LapBand looks like an option but the others I just couldn't bring myself to do. I have way too much wishy washy feelings on getting part of body parts removed.

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