Before doing the gastric bypass...ADVICE

Don't do it. There are so many things that g.b. does not help (you get sagging skin, doesn't actually stop the bad eating habits for a start).

What do you mean by you can't make it?

I have known about 8 people in my life who have had this surgery. They always get the weight back on eventually. It has only been a temporary fix for all of them.

I have known about 8 people in my life who have had this surgery. They always get the weight back on eventually. It has only been a temporary fix for all of them.

I have 2 family friends who have done this and the same thing -- the weight came back on. It's treating the symptom, not the disease.

Have you read any of Geneen Roth's books? Go to your local library and check some out. She has amazing personal insight about compulsive eating.

Best of luck to you in whatever you decide is right for YOU. Hugs.

The surgery forces you to stop eating so much by punishing you for doing so. It's a surgical version of someone slapping you every time you eat too much. It doesn't help with any mental issues you have involving food. It won't teach you to eat properly. If you are going to die much sooner because of morbid obesity, if you have Type II diabetes, if your mobility is seriously impaired I'd say "Go for it". If not, I'd suggest working with a competent counselor and really working hard on the problem.

The surgery is not an easy fix, if that's what your brain is telling you. Unless my life was in serious danger there's no way I'd do it.

...The hard part is keeping the weight off, but that just means not over eating. And learning portions...

But isn't this ^^ a basic root of losing weight even without surgery?

I had my Gastric Bypass 3 months ago. It is hard work, but to me it has been worth every minute of trouble. I am down 35 lbs since surgery. I did have some issues with restriction of the opening, but by backing off the stage 4 foods and eating the stage 3 stuff a little longer, it has resolved itself. I even had some steak the other night. Yummy! You will get dumping syndrome once in a while as you learn what you body can eat and what it can't, but mostly you just have to remember to eat slowly, chew well, and follow the instructions the doctors give you. If you are having second thoughts, you should wait until you are fully committed, as it is a lifestyle change for sure. I am 55 years old, and weigh under 200 lbs for the first time in 25 years. My knees no longer hurt, my energy level has doubled, and I can keep up with the grandkids. I wish I had done this years ago.:happy:

I know a few people who have had it done and ultimately put the weight back on. The bad thing is, junk food tastes just as good after surgery as it does before. Do you think the surgery will give you the willpower to not eat those foods once it's done?

Just had sleeve gastrectomy 4 days ago. So far, very happy. I was worried about the pre-diet as well; but I was determined, and it was not that bad. I just don't ever like shakes anyway, so those protein shakes scared me, but I'm doing it--no choice now! I was also worried about the pain of surgery, complications, etc. etc, etc. Well, I can truly say it has been very good. The first few hours out of surgery I had some extreme pain between my breasts, which I later found out was just gas and inflammation. Other than that, the pain has been minimal--no nausea or vomiting, no dizziness and I feel relatively strong.

BTW I lost 8-1/2 pounds on the pre-diet. I am not weighing myself until 1 week out because of all the fluids they pumped into me in the hospital. I already walked 1/2 mile today, and like I said, feel strong. Taking it easy on the couch but not really much pain/discomfort. Hard to get used to not lifting (no more than 15 lbs for several months). Wishing I could eat just a little something, but I know drinking is the only way to go now. I'll be happy for the next stage, which I understand includes pureed foods like Coco-Wheats (ummm).

One more thing. My taste buds have changed. Not sure if they will adjust again later, but right now, everything tastes strange. Could be anesthesia possibly, but I've heard it can happen.

I started weight loss and exercise in 2007. Lost 96 lbs and kept it off and on off and on until recently when I have been gaining it back. I feel like I needed a restart. I'm hoping that once I get to the weight I want, I'll be able to maintain like a normal person. Love exercise and hoping that can be my new obsession. Kellyinhope.

Three women that I am acquainted with have had weight loss surgery. One had success for several years after, two did not. I don't know if the one is still successful as I have moved away from that city. One of the unsuccessful patients told me that she figured out ways to eat what she wanted. She called it grazing - by having a small amount many times a day she gained back over her starting weight.

If you can't stay on the pre-surgery diet, will you be able to stay on the post-surgery diet? You should be cautious as this is major surgery with all its possible complications. If you will stay with the post-surgery counseling and eating plan you may be a fantastic success.

Whatever you do, follow your instincts about the topic. Best wishes to you whatever you decide.

Edited to remove a stray apostrophe!

Hello there, I'm preparing for lap band surgery and the NP at my dr's office actually told me about this site. From what I understand dumping syndrome happens when you take in too much sugar, or even chips but I think the risk of that is highest in the first year post op. Getting in 1200 cal will be a challenge, but I have purchased a juicer and will be getting protein shakes to make smoothies with. I'm nervous as well, but also excited to get healthier. I would be glad to share information with you and may have questions for you as well. Anything I can do to help feel free to ask. I think the key is planning. We will have to several small "meals" for a while, I am just thinking now in advance what to have on hand for that. Good luck with everything and keep me posted.

No one can make the choice for you, but I would advise DON'T.
Your body is a compex machine that was built to process food efficiently. If you cut out bits and piecesof modify the way that your gut works, then it will stop working efficiently. I agree with those that say this is not the cure, just a cure for the symptoms.
I know several people who have had GBP and it has ruined them. The agony of spending the rest of their lives thinking constantly of what they cant have was too much. One friend had surgery for all the loose skin and now has a body that looks like a map of the London Underground - not good for self esteem.
If you are convinced its for you, then get a good support group, but we have that here and there are hundreds, nay thousands of success stories.
We who are succeeding have changed the way we think about food and how we use it. That is the real "cure".
But - I wish you luck in your journey, whichever way it takes you.

I work for surgeon's that specialize in bariatric surgery and I work one on one with the patients daily. It really is a life change and you need to be ready for it. The main reason why any respectable doctor would recommend gastric bypass surgery is to help reverse, improve or prevent comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, cardiac issues, sleep apnea, etc.). I would seek advice from a doctor that has a lot of experience with weight loss surgery and make sure that if you do pursue GBP that you are in a very conservative and thorough program...lots of pre-op clearances and testing, closely monitored, long term post-op care and follow-up, offers support groups and so on...if you're still not comfortable with the decision then maybe now is not the time to proceed with surgery. It is very common for patients to question this decision but you want to make sure that you are mentally prepared as well because it is a permanent procedure. My sister has struggled with weight her whole life but she truly turned over a new leaf with great determination...she has lost 30+ and looks amazing. She exercises self-control everyday and will have to continue to do so for the rest of her life (which we should all do no matter your size) but some people need to lose 100+ lbs and the difficult part is they have to keep it off for the rest of their lives to maintain good health. There are a lot of things people don't understand when there is a lack of knowledge and experience when it comes to this particular topic. Sometimes surgery is necessary in order to prevent further health issues and whatever route you take it will require intense discipline. Everyone will have an opinion but this is your health and your future...only you know what's best for you. Hope this helps and I wish the absolute best for you.

No one can tell you what you NEED to know. A lot of people have their own experiences (either their own or someone they know) and will say 'DON'T DO IT' or 'It is the best thing that happened to me' and neither are wrong...but that's not you. Do a LOT of research, join any group you can find to talk to others who have already had it, make sure that this is your last option before you do it. You can always have it a few months down the road, but once it's done you can't undo it. Maybe you should try the pre and post operation diet for a few days and see how you feel. I have a friend who had it done, and was so excited and gung ho about it and was dying for food to the point of making herself sick by 'sneaking' it and spitting it out. You have to mentally ready to make a HUGE lifestyle change, this isn't a get skinny quick scheme, it is a lifetime commitment.

I am not being critical, but all the items you listed as not being able to give up are probably the reason you have failed in previous attempts. One of the things they don't really say much about as you are preparing for surgery is the fact that your taste buds will change, and many things you felt tempted by in the past just are not that interesting any longer. That being said, if you are having this many misgivings about the surgery, you need to think really long and hard about moving forward with it. The changes you have to make are for a lifetime if you want success at this. I am only 3 months out, and it is a lot of work. However, as my body continues to shrink and my food options are opening back up, I am happy every day I made this decision.