Weight Loss Surgery for Morbidly Obese

I had Gastric Bypass surgery in June of this year. It was the right decision for me and it has been a life-changer. I just recently surpassed weight lost post-surgery as before. The program where I live includes an entire team of specialists including a Nurse, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Dietitian, Doctor, and Surgeon. Every member of the team had to sign off before I was cleared for surgery. Clients are screened for Sleep Apnea, bone density, digestive system health/reflux, and eating disorders. I attended a dozen training modules to qualify for the surgery, plus I demonstrated that I could eat fewer calories and lose weight on my own. The local surgery support group lobbied and received post-surgery support meetings as well.

The experience of this team is even successful dieters will have put the weight on within two years from their loss, so they try and schedule surgery within months of a demonstrated loss. Dr. Sharma likens it to running down the up escalator. As soon as you stop you start gaining again.

In our support group also are those rare patients who suffer tragic complications. One of our members may soon have to be put on a feeding tube.

Someone mentioned that over-eating is psychological so a physiological change won't fix that. Agreed, there are complex reasons why a person struggles with weight loss. I personally don't have any emotional eating problems, other than seeking out crunchy carbs on a stressful day.

If weight loss were easy, one of those stupid quick-fix cures would have found it by now.

So, no, choosing the surgical route is not a cop-out.

I say think about it long and hard. Research as much as you can, talk to you health care team, and try to find people that have had the surgery. Steer clear of the ones trying to promote it, look for those who will give you an honest opinion.

what are your stats now?
I am morbidly obese. I was seriously contemplating getting surgery as well, as I thought it was the last resort and there was no other way possible for me to lose weight. The cost was just too much. But the one thing is it is a tool. It isn't a magical cure. You need to be committed to a lifestyle change. To me there is no point in having the surgery if you continue to not exercise and eat like crap. The surgery can help kickstart you towards those goals though.

I have a couple people on my friends list who did the surgery, and they don't regret it for a second. But they were committed to the lifestyle change. One person lost 200lbs with the surgery fairly quickly, but she also does zumba 3 hours a week.
If money wasn't a concern of mine I may have done the surgery, but in beginning of september I finally found something that has worked for me, and I was committed to the lifestyle change.

Here it is 3.5 months later and I am down 45lbs all through my own hard work and determination. Feels good, and looking forward to getting rid of the rest of the 100 or so lbs over the course of the next year. Even though I am still morbidly obese, my confidence level is MUCH higher than it was back in september, I can't imagine what it will be after another 50lbs.

Sevendust912 wrote: »

IMO it is a cop out for the folks that love to make excuses as to why they are unable to lose weight the natural way.

Excuses aren't the problem. Some folks (a) know full well why they can't keep focused & disciplined and (b) may have other reasons why bariatric surgery is necessary. I guarantee you that 95% of people who've had/are considering bariatric surgery are not just "afraid" or "too weak" to do it the natural way. That's a simplistic view. Obviously you were able to do it that way, and you should be proud of that. Some folks aren't able to and need a tool to get things rolling.

Food is an addiction, and addiction hits everyone differently. Some people on this forum used to be in shape when they were younger but have had one or two periods in their life when they gained 40-50 pounds over a few years and had to get back on track; there are others who've battled severe obesity their entire lives.

WLS is a serious choice and needs to be discussed with a doctor, surgeon & therapist... BUT - it's not "instant gratification": it's not easy, it DOES take commitment and maintenance, and still relies upon dealing with the emotional aspect of the "why".

Simple is not necessarily easy.

"So kudo’s to those that lost weight, changed lifestyles for the long-term with or without surgery. "

NikonPal, you hit the nail on the head.

It's not something I would ever consider doing, but I'm me and you are you.

I think that if you are considering major surgery like that then it would be worth your time to practice living the way you will need to once you've had it. Eat the amounts of food that will fit in your new stomach, do the suggested exercises and just try it out for a few weeks or months before you have it done.

It will prepare you for what you will need to do after, and help you know for certain if it's the surgery or the changes that really made the difference.

*edit* I'm not sure why I got an abuse flag for this, I'm not implying that the OP has never tried to diet or exercise before. I'm saying that recovery is going to complicate things and that it would be worth the time to try and live the life now without the complications while he is still weighing his options.

Cowardly.

lookingforskinny69 wrote: »

I am considering weight loss surgery, I am sure the bashing will happen, any comments for or against?

Honestly, that is a choice only you can make. However- it IS surgery, so there are risks and you have weigh those against the benefits. I know someone who died 8 days after having surgery because they had a clot form that got lodged in the arteries supplying the heart with blood.

I respect those of you who feel surgery is not the answer; you've had personal experiences and a level of commitment to personal health that give you that perspective, and you're entitled to have & express your opinions. I think if everyone had to choose one or the other, 100% of us would prefer to lose weight naturally.

I would only ask that you not make the following assumptions about those who are of the other opinion, or have had WLS:

1. They're weak minded
2. They haven't tried doing it naturally, or haven't tried hard enough
3. They aren't really committed to losing weight
4. They view it as a "quick fix"
5. They're genetic & physical makeup must be the same as mine - so if they just do what I've done they'll be successful.