Weight Loss Surgery

ocsbabydoll
ocsbabydoll Posts: 9
edited September 25 in Health and Weight Loss
I know this forum is mainly for eating right and working out which are still things you have to do before and after getting a surgery. I was wondering if anyone here has gotten a lapband, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or a gastric bypass... and what the thoughts are?:flowerforyou:
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Replies

  • ProTFitness
    ProTFitness Posts: 1,379 Member
    I guess my Question is why are you even thinking of those Very Dangerious surgeries?
  • EDesq
    EDesq Posts: 1,527 Member
    Have you checked out obesityhelp.com? They have all types of forums for people who have had weight loss surgery. You do have to eat right after wt. loss surgery but the amt you lose and stuff like that is very different than people who lose wt. via reduced calories and exercise. I could eat the same meal plan as someone say with RNY surgery and they may lose 20 lbs. in a month and Me only 8 lbs. I would start to question Myself and wonder where I have gone wrong, when in reality My wt. loss is more normal. So it is not like comparing apples to apples. So when I hear of someone losing 100, 150...lbs in a year, I wonder if they had wt loss surgery...cause I have lost 75 lbs. in a year without it. Either way is OK, but I'd like to compare apples to apples.
  • ocsbabydoll
    ocsbabydoll Posts: 9
    Well i have been big my whole life and tried to lose weight a bunch of ways - and nothing seems to work for me. When i got my insurance and they cover bariatric surgery, it felt like i got the golden ticket. I know the risks and seen people's results. I don't want to live my life in a fat suit any more - i am here because my sister found this site and wanted me to check it out - surgery or no surgery there are good tools.

    Agreed its not comparing apples to apples one is more invasive and risky.. but in my opinion i think the surgery is the best option for me because i cant live like this anymore - In my wardrobe i have about 3 pairs of pants to work in and when you get dressed for a special occasion and all you can say to yourself upon completion is ... Well i cant look any better... what's the use.... you have to do something drastic to save yourself

    I am not urging anyone or trying to convince anyone to get the surgery if you can lose weight at the speed you want another way more power to you. :wink:
  • Megume
    Megume Posts: 74
    Hey There!! I am about to go through Vertical Sleeve in June. I actually started a blog, to document my experience, before and after the procedure.

    It's definitely something you need to do your research on and be dedicated to. It is NOT the easy way out by any means. It is a tool to help you become the person you were ment to be.

    If you need any support at all, hit me up :) I'll be there for ya. It's a tough road to go down, but if you feel it's right, you can do it!

    Here's my blog if u wanna follow me, i just started it yesterday so there will be a lot more to come.

    http://downsizingmegu.tumblr.com/
  • edgehollow2
    edgehollow2 Posts: 43
    My hubby had a lapband 2 yrs ago and initially lost a good bit of weight. However, he never changed his eating habits or started exercising. So the weightloss was short lived and he has gained some back. The copays for band fills is more than they estimated and we just can't afford $125 every couple of weeks. Keep in mind that the surgery is just another tool to HELP with weightloss. It is not a cure all or a miracle solution to your weight issues. You still have to change your nutrition and fitness lifestyle or the benefits from the surgery will be a short term success. Also as a nurse I have seen way too many people suffer severe sometimes fatal side effects years after the gastric bypass surgery. Please do your research and make your own decisions, but remember that you still have to make good food choices and exercise a way of life!
  • ocsbabydoll
    ocsbabydoll Posts: 9
    I know its not a miracle cure - you still have to work you booty off no pun intended. But if it can help me like the 23 year old i am and not like 60 year old my joints feel then i say bring it. I have done all the research watch countless youtube testimonies.. and feel prepared

    I am just having to again think about which i want the sleeve or the bypass and i just dont know now
  • TamDTam
    TamDTam Posts: 115
    I know its not a miracle cure - you still have to work you booty off no pun intended. But if it can help me like the 23 year old i am and not like 60 year old my joints feel then i say bring it. I have done all the research watch countless youtube testimonies.. and feel prepared

    I am just having to again think about which i want the sleeve or the bypass and i just dont know now

    I come from a huge family of obese folks.....I have seen many success stories, post surgery.....I have a relative or 2 I wish would get it... I have another relative who probably shouldn't have gotten it ...I suppose clinically now she is bulimic... She got the surgery with little or no counseling after the Dr had a cancellation from someone else.... She still eats like she always did.... only now she throws up during & after every meal and ends up in the hospital due to the stress barfing has on her body...

    After losing more than one close relative to obesity related illnesses ( not even the normal stuff like diabetes), I cant say that I am against the surgery... Some folks are going to die without it so it is sort of a final shot at life....

    Whatever you decide to do, good luck!!
  • Zinzie182
    Zinzie182 Posts: 8
    I had a good friend in a similar situation to yours- she was in her twenties, generally in good health. She choose to have RNY for the same reasons you list, and frankly I could never understand it. She had no debilitating physical ailments to keep her from following an exersize program, and the discipline that must be applied post-op (she had to be so, so careful about what she consumed and when) could just as easily be applied to everyday diet without having the surgery, with similar results. You'd be shocked at how much weight you can lose, and quickly, when you begin an exersize and diet program. About 6 years ago, I lost 90 pounds in 7 months through careful diet and exersize. She lost 102 pounds in 10 months after RNY. And I don't have the lifelong complications and issues she's facing.

    Just my perspective, take it for what it's worth. Best of luck whatever you choose!
  • ngory07
    ngory07 Posts: 194 Member
    I had the Verticle Sleeve 2 months ago. It is NOT the easy way out!!!!!! I also have been obese all my life and I finally said enough. It was hard at first b/c I had some issues with nausea and vomiting but now that Im furthur out can say I love my sleeve!! Ive lost 53 lbs so far and would do it over in a heartbeat. Its nice to not always be so hungry. If you have any questions feel free to ask!!
  • donicagalek
    donicagalek Posts: 526
    I had Roux en Y done last summer. It was the BEST decision I've ever made. When you're up and down the scale and yet still never make it to a BMI that even puts you in the "obese" (as opposed to "morbidly obese" where I sat)...you really have to wonder how "dangerous" these surgeries are. Compared to what? :-) A life of heart disease, diabetes and eventually no life at all?

    My high weight pic (the night before giving birth to my youngest) is in my profile.
  • donicagalek
    donicagalek Posts: 526
    I have another relative who probably shouldn't have gotten it ...I suppose clinically now she is bulimic... She got the surgery with little or no counseling after the Dr had a cancellation from someone else.... She still eats like she always did.... only now she throws up during & after every meal and ends up in the hospital due to the stress barfing has on her body...

    From what I've seen this is an entirely valid point. If you're getting the surgery it's because you overeat. Overeating is an eating disorder. You could just as easily become bulimic, anorexic, an alcoholic...anything that involves over-consumption after the surgery. Most insurance companies require a psych eval, but they're not very therapeutic. If you get the surgery you really have to keep yourself in check and make sure to get help if you wind up substituting.

    If you want to get personal on the subject, I started enjoying my two glasses of dry red every night and smoking GOBS of cigarettes (again). I quit drinking completely a month ago and stopped smoking two weeks ago (e cigarettes ROCK). If I couldn't do it on my own I would have gotten help for both without shame.
  • fcrisswell
    fcrisswell Posts: 234 Member
    I have not read everyone's responses but want to give you my 2 cents.

    You will get nay-sayers...you will get pro's, you will hear the cons. YOU have to make the decision that is right for you. What works for one person WILL NOT work for the next. Get all the information you can (which is what you are doing now ;-) ) and then make YOUR decision.

    I had gastric bypass 4 years ago. LOst over 200 pounds (pics on my profile here). I found this website when I was searching for an android app to help me lose the 20 pounds I put on while pregnant. The accountability here is awsome and I never have reason not to keep track of what I am putting in my body.

    The surgery was the best and EASIEST thing I have ever done. You may hear some one tell you "you are taking the easy way out"
    let them put there life at risk, undergo major surgery, recovery, never be able to eat "normal" again, take vitamins for life and tell me it isEASY. Yes it was easy for ME. REcovery even though it hurt a bit...not so bad. Learning to eat was HARD. You are FORCED to eat small portions even when you think you are starving...that one extra bite might later have you in the bathroom sick becaue it was just too much.

    I equate "the easy way out" to this....would you use a dishwashre or wash dishes by hand, would you mow your lawn with a gas mower or push mower, would you use a wash board instead of the washing machine? ALL easy ways out thanks to technology and progression if you ask me.

    Weightloss surgery is a TOOL. If you choose to do it....USE the TOOL as it is intended and you will be successful. Even after surgery WE are all human...what got us obese to begin with may still be lingering. It is not a CURE ALL. Somtimes we make mistakes in our choices....you learn from it and move on.
  • fcrisswell
    fcrisswell Posts: 234 Member
    Oh and yes...check out www.obesityhelp.com

    There is a plethera of information on ALL the weightloss surgeries. tools, blogs, forums....that venue gives you all the information to compare the surgeries you are considering.
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    I guess my Question is why are you even thinking of those Very Dangerious surgeries?

    Hmmmm.......Tell me now....how dangerous is high blood pressure, heart problems, strokes, joint problems, knee surgeries, diabetes, sleep apnea.....the list goes on and on!!! Have you ever been 100 lbs overweight? Yes, one can lose it the old fashioned way, but.... the chances of a person maintaining it for life, hovers around 4 to 5%. Known medical fact. Period. Try on a 100 to 150 lb "fat suit" and walk around for just one day, and you'll see real quick why some of us have gone the surgery route. Yes, we have to eat right. Yes, we have to exercise, but if a person really truly wants to change and has tried everything else, why not surgery? It is very much an individual decision. Thats why I never discuss it unless prompted. I would never suggest ANY surgery to anyone, unless asked. ANY surgery can be dangerous. I lost a lot of weight many times in my life. Did I ever maintain it? No. I guess I was never in that very lucky 5 % group.
    Soooo....as the old saying goes....until you've walked a day in our shoes.....
  • ocsbabydoll
    ocsbabydoll Posts: 9
    Wow all of you have really good input thank you..

    So for the RNY people -- what made you chose that option vs the sleeve
    &
    Sleeve people - what made you chose that over the bypass??

    *you guys are awesome congratulations :flowerforyou:
  • donicagalek
    donicagalek Posts: 526
    I live in the middle of nowhere and had to drive three hours to get to the closest place that did WLS. They had two options: RNY and lapband. Originally I was thinking of going toward the band, but I didn't want to make the drive every time I needed a band adjustment.

    Plus my sister had RNY and was pleased. A couple of weeks ago another sister got it done. There are four of us altogether, so it's only a matter of time before the fourth one gets on board. :-D
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    Wow all of you have really good input thank you..

    So for the RNY people -- what made you chose that option vs the sleeve
    &
    Sleeve people - what made you chose that over the bypass??

    *you guys are awesome congratulations :flowerforyou:

    I chose the RNY, cause of the malabsorbtion involved. I was bypassed 140cm, which a little bit more than the standard of 100cm. Nowadays some docs bypass 150cm. Make sure you ask him how much. A RNY patient has to be very careful to take a LOT of vitamins, FOR LIFE. Very important. But the small intestine that has been bypassed, helps me maintain my weight easier. You do NOT get any small intestine bypassed with the sleeve or a lapband. But you will have to take "some" vitamins, but not a boatload like me. Either surgery is a very good procedure, but it is a personal decision, as to which one fits your lifestyle better. Best of luck in your decision, sweetie!
    ETA: my insurance would only cover RNY or the lapband, and I know I didn't want the lapband.
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    BUMP!!! :wink:
  • ocsbabydoll
    ocsbabydoll Posts: 9
    wow sounds like a family ready to begin their lives .. Congrats

    And marci - how many vitamins do you have to take?? how is it working out for you?

    This is great help thanks dolls
  • jewelzz
    jewelzz Posts: 326 Member
    Wed 03/23/11 02:55 PM
    QUOTE:

    I guess my Question is why are you even thinking of those Very Dangerious surgeries?


    Hmmmm.......Tell me now....how dangerous is high blood pressure, heart problems, strokes, joint problems, knee surgeries, diabetes, sleep apnea.....the list goes on and on!!! Have you ever been 100 lbs overweight? Yes, one can lose it the old fashioned way, but.... the chances of a person maintaining it for life, hovers around 4 to 5%. Known medical fact. Period. Try on a 100 to 150 lb "fat suit" and walk around for just one day, and you'll see real quick why some of us have gone the surgery route. Yes, we have to eat right. Yes, we have to exercise, but if a person really truly wants to change and has tried everything else, why not surgery? It is very much an individual decision. Thats why I never discuss it unless prompted. I would never suggest ANY surgery to anyone, unless asked. ANY surgery can be dangerous. I lost a lot of weight many times in my life. Did I ever maintain it? No. I guess I was never in that very lucky 5 % group.
    Soooo....as the old saying goes....until you've walked a day in our shoes.....



    ten years ago I shed 130 lbs and did it on my own,and have kept all but 20lbs off.I think before you choose to do it dig deep in your heart of hearts and figure out why you weigh what you weigh and where in your life do you need to make changes to achive your goals.For me I was very unhappy and ate my way through my 13year marriage.I have to imagine there is a bigger picture here for you.
  • TamDTam
    TamDTam Posts: 115
    I really dislike the condescending tone that accompanies the remarks like " I lost 280 lbs and you can too if you put your mind to it"
  • donicagalek
    donicagalek Posts: 526
    I really dislike the condescending tone that accompanies the remarks like " I lost 280 lbs and you can too if you put your mind to it"

    Can we add disliking avoiding the poster's original question to the list? :-)
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    wow sounds like a family ready to begin their lives .. Congrats

    And marci - how many vitamins do you have to take?? how is it working out for you?

    This is great help thanks dolls

    A good Multiple (one with minerals too, Not some crap like Flintsones) twice a day- 1 in morning and 1 in afternoon/evening

    2000mg of Vitamin C- one in am ,one along with my iron (for better absorption)

    Iron (ferrous fumerate) I'm anemic still to this day, don't take ferrous sulfate, the most common one. Horrible side effects. nausea and constipation.

    Vitamin B-12 sublingual (I take the 5000mcg one, so I don't have to do it every day. I take it 3 days a week. If you take the 1000mcg one, it would probably be every day.

    Vitamin B complex 100- one per day

    1500 mg of calcium- in pm- I use calcium citrate, not carbonate, I won't absorb it)

    A good mineral tablet (We need minerals too, cause of how much I'm bypassed) I take Total Mins. Good product. 1 in am

    2000mg of Vitamin D (dry in capsule not in oil, I won't absorb it)

    Omega 3 fish oil- 1 in am (cause I can't eat enough to get all my omega's in)

    Now, let me tell you this. Everyone takes vitamins for life, but....I go by my lab test results. I get my blood drawn twice a year, still to this day. What I'm deficient in , you may NOT be. Go by your labs. Get them done every six months, when you get to be almost 7 years out, like me. In the beginning, your doc will order them more often. But get them done. Thats the only way you can see what needs to tweaked a little. I know people that haven't had labs done in years and to me thats stupid. You're just asking for trouble! I have a "new Lexus interior" and I will forever be a gastric bypass patient. If I was to slack off and not take my vitamins twice a day, thats when WLS patients, start running into trouble. So thats about it, in a nutshell. They sell little vitamin baggies at Vitamin Shoppe and I fill up two bags every day. One for am and one for pm. Works for me! You get used it. No big deal to me!
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    Wed 03/23/11 02:55 PM
    QUOTE:

    I guess my Question is why are you even thinking of those Very Dangerious surgeries?


    Hmmmm.......Tell me now....how dangerous is high blood pressure, heart problems, strokes, joint problems, knee surgeries, diabetes, sleep apnea.....the list goes on and on!!! Have you ever been 100 lbs overweight? Yes, one can lose it the old fashioned way, but.... the chances of a person maintaining it for life, hovers around 4 to 5%. Known medical fact. Period. Try on a 100 to 150 lb "fat suit" and walk around for just one day, and you'll see real quick why some of us have gone the surgery route. Yes, we have to eat right. Yes, we have to exercise, but if a person really truly wants to change and has tried everything else, why not surgery? It is very much an individual decision. Thats why I never discuss it unless prompted. I would never suggest ANY surgery to anyone, unless asked. ANY surgery can be dangerous. I lost a lot of weight many times in my life. Did I ever maintain it? No. I guess I was never in that very lucky 5 % group.
    Soooo....as the old saying goes....until you've walked a day in our shoes.....



    ten years ago I shed 130 lbs and did it on my own,and have kept all but 20lbs off.I think before you choose to do it dig deep in your heart of hearts and figure out why you weigh what you weigh and where in your life do you need to make changes to achive your goals.For me I was very unhappy and ate my way through my 13year marriage.I have to imagine there is a bigger picture here for you.

    How nice for you. You were in the small 5% bracket. Most of us aren't. Most of us have lost over 100lbs. many times in our lives and once we tried to be"normal" we gained it back. Like I said, you are making blanket statements, over something that is NOT the norm for most folks. Nuff said.
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    Oh and Jewelzz....Opening up a new account and changing your avatar, to reply to me, gives you zero credibility. Just because you were in the lucky 5% bracket, just remember one thing, the other 95% of us, are/were still struggling! Different strokes for different folks! And two thumbs up for the "condescending tone" remark from someone else. Can't you just be supportive to people, instead wagging your finger? What works for one person, will NOT work for everybody. Jeez Louise!!!! Give me a break!!!!
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    BUMP!!! :wink:
  • fcrisswell
    fcrisswell Posts: 234 Member
    Choosing which surgery (if any) is right for you is very personal choice. I was not familiar with VSG at the time....Lapand, RNY or the DS were the 3 I knew of and had discussed with my surgeon.

    For me I did not want Lapband....I know myself too well and would make "adjustments" or not fill when I should. I was nearly 400 pounds...397 at my highest. I needed drastic meassures. I was dying anyway. The risk of surgery was minimal considering the casket of a bdy Iwas living in. I was that desperate. i was willing to give up my life if it meant I had a chance at one.

    (Note: My mother also had gastric bypass in 2001 and died 3 weeks later from complications - i.e. blood clots in her lungs from not being able to get around very soon after surgery. Pulmonary embolism is a risk of ANY surgery...hell, even the fittest of peeps have had them...look at Sherena Williams most recently suffered from it! But that is not to scare the crap out of you but to show you how very desperate I had become.)

    And now at the age of 39 I feel great and recently had my first baby...that would not have been possible 4 years ago!
  • marci355
    marci355 Posts: 292
    Choosing which surgery (if any) is right for you is very personal choice. I was not familiar with VSG at the time....Lapand, RNY or the DS were the 3 I knew of and had discussed with my surgeon.

    For me I did not want Lapband....I know myself too well and would make "adjustments" or not fill when I should. I was nearly 400 pounds...397 at my highest. I needed drastic meassures. I was dying anyway. The risk of surgery was minimal considering the casket of a bdy Iwas living in. I was that desperate. i was willing to give up my life if it meant I had a chance at one.

    (Note: My mother also had gastric bypass in 2001 and died 3 weeks later from complications - i.e. blood clots in her lungs from not being able to get around very soon after surgery. Pulmonary embolism is a risk of ANY surgery...hell, even the fittest of peeps have had them...look at Sherena Williams most recently suffered from it! But that is not to scare the crap out of you but to show you how very desperate I had become.)

    And now at the age of 39 I feel great and recently had my first baby...that would not have been possible 4 years ago!

    Congrats on that new baby!!! I bet she's a doll!!! I LOVE new baby smell......Have fun with her, aren't they great?? I have grandbabies, I love to spoil. Even better now, I can send them home to their Mommy!
  • DKennedy1
    DKennedy1 Posts: 9
    I had RNY 7 months ago today (happy surgianniversary to me!). I am fortunate to have found a surgeon who is extremely serious about having his patients be completely committed to the program FOR LIFE before he'll agree to do the surgery on you (lap band or RNY). I had to join a local support group and attend a minimum of 3 meetings, meet with a psychologist (some have to go twice), meet with a nutritionist for 6 months, commit to a diet and exercise plan, get support from my primary care physician, have an endoscopy (which led to a colonoscopy as well), and take a written test. There's probably more, but I don't remember just now. The entire process too me 8 months to complete, and then it was another 2 months waiting for my surgery date. During all this time I was going through some extremely difficult family issues (5 extremely ill family members with 3 deaths in a total of 7 weeks). My siblings were completely against my having the surgery (one sister had had it years before (without all the support, etc.) and failed at it. At the time of her death she weighed almost 400 lbs.

    So, with the diet and exercise I lost 30 lbs in 9 months prior to surgery. Since surgery I've lost an additional 68 lbs. I work out a minimum of 3-4 times a week (running/brisk walk on the treadmill) along with water aerobics and occasionally strength training. I've still got 33 pounds that I'd like to lose, but I'm not sweating it. Now that I'm closer to my goal the weight is coming off much slower. That's perfectly normal, and I'm ok with it.

    BTW - I decided on RNY instead of lapband because I didn't want the constant dr. appts to get filled. I still attend support group meetings about once a month, and it seems to me that there are quite a few "banders" who are now opting to have a revision to RNY. I've also learned that with bands you're still able to eat whatever you want, making it much easier to cheat. Believe me when I say that cheating with RNY is a most unpleasant experience!

    Best wishes to you as you move forward and figure out what's best for you. Don't pay any attention to those people who think it's the easy way (it so is not!), nor the ones who ask why you would risk a "very dangerous surgery". Obviously, poor health is just as dangerous!
  • ngory07
    ngory07 Posts: 194 Member
    I chose VSG over Lapband for many of the same reasons others have mentioned. I did not want to deal with the fills/unfills and I could not afford the copays. I chose VSG over RNY b/c I did not want dumping syndrome or malabsorption. It just fit my lifestyle better. I can still eat normallly just in smaller portions and it feels amazing to not feel hungry all the time.
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