Lapband/gastric bypass surgery

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Replies

  • happyfeetrebel1
    happyfeetrebel1 Posts: 1,005 Member
    RicoMittens wrote: »
    I think you should consider a nutritionist or a dietician before you go the step of surgery. It would be amazing what someone else can see from looking at your diary: what you eat, when, what type of exercise, how much, etc. They have the education to get you on track. Also, you might need some blood work done. Possibly you have a thyroid issue, or if you are as heavy as you allude you might be diabetic or pre-diabetic. Attention to those underlying causes would go much farther to helping you than the surgery. Surgery should be the last option, IMHO.

    I guess nobody read my post a few pages back. Here, you are REQUIRED to meet with both psychologists and nutritionists/dieticians pre surgery. They also REQUIRE them for a minimum of one year after. You can't just jump in and do it. The Blood work, omg, the blood work. I had complete ultrasounds and CAT scans to make sure all was well, and bloodwork of every type. They don't take this at all lightly. They actually found a cyst on my pancreas that would have eventually killed me, in the pre evaluation.

    OP, I assume you haven't been seeing what I've been typing, as you're only responding to the negative. This is NOT the easy way out, and it's really not for people with less than about 150 lbs to lose. Most surgeons wouldn't perform any type on you, unless you have some fairly serious co-morbidities.
  • happyfeetrebel1
    happyfeetrebel1 Posts: 1,005 Member
    mykaylis wrote: »
    since i'm apparently the only one who is undergoing bariatric surgery, i thought you might want to know a little about what you'd be facing (again, i DO NOT THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOU).

    first, there is a basic qualification. is your BMI high enough to meet the surgeon's criteria? in my area it is bmi 40-55. you also have to NOT smoke for at least a year. you don't fit either of those, you'll get rejected flat out.

    then, there is an information seminar where they explain the different types of surgeries available and the POTENTIALLY DEADLY risks.

    then, you meet with a team of bariatric experts. my team consists of a nurse, a kinesiologist (exercise expert), a registered dietitian specialist, and a psychologist. they will put up barriers for you. the nurse had to put me through a battery of tests to determine if surgery is safe for me, plus had me list all the ways i have already attempted to lose weight. the kinesiologist gave me orders to seek physiotherapy for a chronic pain issue, and follow a schedule of daily physical activity (cardio in particular). the dietitian made me come to MFP and record all my stuff so we can look at it and analyze whether i've made any permanent changes to my lifestyle. no more soda (ever ever). no more alcohol (ever). limited sugar. take vitamin supplements. reach MFP caloric and macronutrient goals. and the psychologist asked me a bazillion questions about my mental health, what my expectations are about surgery, whether or not i was ok with the overhanging skin that will result, what my goals are, what my relationships are like (immediate family, extended family, friends, coworkers). you HAVE to pass all these hurdles to move on.

    after a few months we meet with the team again to evaluate progress and if the team says so, set up an appointment with the surgical team, who then has to figure out if physically you are a good candidate for surgery.

    at any point in time, if you mess up on these expectations, you will be kicked out of the program. weight loss surgery is NOT the easy way out. it is only a tool to prevent overeating. you still need to follow a prescribed diet (even more important after surgery), exercise, and supplement regimen FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. you decide to go off the rails, you gain the weight back. that's the way it goes. and most do gain part of it back.

    This is an excellent post, and what I've been saying all along. You said it better :)

    Pay attention to this!

  • sexymonicat
    sexymonicat Posts: 111
    Is there a reason you want lap band n not liposuction?
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  • Fatkat121212
    Fatkat121212 Posts: 21
    Thank you all for your time put into replying as well as your support and encouragement I honestly didn't expect such a huge response.

    Most of you were correct and I was informed when calling 2 clinics today that I "wasn't a suitable candidate". I am kind of glad as I was scared of having this done. So it's back to good old calorie cutting and exercising for me.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    edited December 2014
    MrM27 wrote: »
    sexymonicat wrote: »
    Is there a reason you want lap band n not liposuction?

    *facepalm*

    I agree, and so does one of my friends below. :D

    facepalm_jim.jpg
  • meltedsno
    meltedsno Posts: 208 Member
    mykaylis, thank you for your post. You stated the facts and that is exactly what people need to hear. I am opposed to surgery-- the three people I personally know who chose to go this route have had their lives altered radically and can never go back -- one ended up in the hospital/intensive care for well over 8 months and has permanent damage to his body years later; one ended up with two collapsed lungs; and one ended up regaining all their weight plus more. I think you are the first person who has had surgery and actually stated the facts and I thank you for that. I hope your surgery has been successful. As for the OP, so glad to hear that you are not a candidate for this surgery! If a surgeon would have approved you, I woul question his credentials...

    You CAN succeed at changing your lifestyle. You just have to want it bad enough and let nothing stop you. There will be bumps in the road, but you've already proven that you can lose weight... good luck and keep us up to date on your progress. I would love to know how things fare for you.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    Fatkat121212 wrote: »
    Thank you all for your time put into replying as well as your support and encouragement I honestly didn't expect such a huge response.

    Most of you were correct and I was informed when calling 2 clinics today that I "wasn't a suitable candidate". I am kind of glad as I was scared of having this done. So it's back to good old calorie cutting and exercising for me.

    Glad to hear that! Good luck on your journey here. I highly recommend reading the "Sexypants" sticky, and start asking a lot of questions on here, and reading as many threads as you can. There are tons of people here willing to help and support you!
  • NikonPal
    NikonPal Posts: 1,346 Member
    I have not read all replies, so my input will be short.

    IMHO it is a personal decision that requires careful thought of risk/reward for each individual as determined with their physician(s). Some time ago, it was suggested (by 2 cardiologists) that I consider having the surgery...after 3-6 months of contemplation I decided it wasn't for me.

    I have known 2 close personal friends that had the surgery a year ago -- one was a great success and the other regained weight. It is not magic.

    MFP was the answer for me. I have been using an app for just over 1 year. I have already passed my 1st goal & reset for additional weight loss - final goal should be reached by Feb / Mar.

    Best wishes.

    73641431.png
  • prrite
    prrite Posts: 4 Member
    Goodness. I know my thoughts on this subject will go against the grain here. I came to see how others had progressed since having surgery, and found this. It's obvious I had taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque. I had no idea of all the great physicians on here. A person asked for an opinion and gets body slammed for even considering doing something that may help them out? Really? Unless I have a medical degree diploma tacked on my wall, I'm not about to tell or suggest to anyone what is good or bad for them. It's their best interest to seek the advice of a MEDICAL Doctor, and be assessed by a professional. Having gone through the process myself, 5 months removed from, gasp, drops head in shame, bariatric surgery, I talked to my Doctor, I talked to the Bariatric Surgeon, a Pyschiatrist, a Nutrionist, Physical Fitness advisor and made an informed decisison that I thought was best for me. Has it been easy? Hell no. People think Bypass/Bariatric surgery is cheating....that somehow, you're getting a free pass on excercise and eating healthy. That is misinformed gobbledy-gook. I've worked to lose weight before surgery and after to maintain my health. I've had no ulcers, no pain, and gradually eased back into a normal diet again. I can eat anything, let me repeat that for the professionals, anything I want, when I want. I just limit how much I input. I'll state that I don't count calories or depend on medicines to replace nutrients, etc. My blood work is fine. My sugars are normal again, my blood pressure is normal. I weigh 86 pounds less than i did 5 months ago and I feel great. I'm still losing, by the way. I walk 5-8 miles a day on average. My motto has been Less In, More Out - let me explain that a littler bit for the more advanced degreed professionals - Less In = Eat Less; More Out = Exercise More - another cheat; if you will, if your input (food) is less than your output (excercise), you will lose weight (shocking theory ain't it)? To the professionals out there giving advice, I'm glad I didn't bother listening to you. I would still feel miserable. And yes, I get it, whose fault is that? Mine. You are absolutely correct. But I did something about it. I cheated. I fought the law and won. I swam upstream, I thumbed my nose at the establishment. I didn't lift the toilet seat when I went #1. I went in the out door. I pushed when I should've pulled. So what? I'm happy about it. As a matter of fact, I'm damn glad I did it. Get an informed opinion, from a MEDICAL Doctor. Ann Landers, Dear Abby & Ms. Cleo, and the rest of the professionals on this board don't know squat about you. Take charge of your own life and quit giving a flip about what others think about it. Ultimately, it's your body. It's your decision. Happy New Year! Mine will be!
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    can I get a <p>?
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  • Fatkat121212
    Fatkat121212 Posts: 21
    What is a <p>?
  • mbcaldwell123
    mbcaldwell123 Posts: 79 Member
    Fatkat121212 wrote: »
    I still have approx 50 pounds to lose. I would still reduce calories and exercise but just feel it may help me keep the weight off forever.


    The very FIRST thing that you must understand for this surgery to be helpful to you is that it is a TOOL not a cure!!!!! There is still every mental and physical hurdle to overcome with or without the band. Please don't go into this thinking that the band is going to solve your problems. I have the band. I did years of research and self assessment before having the surgery years ago. You can still gain weight after having the surgery. Again, this is a tool NOT A CURE!!!! The band does not prevent you from making poor food choices nor does it make you get your butt up off of the couch and move. Please, please, PLEASE do more research. Go to support groups. Talk with people that have been both successful and unsuccessful with the band. I do not regret getting the surgery. I honestly believe that it quite likely saved my life. I have lost ~150 lbs so far and still have ~ 40-50 lbs to go.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    The very FIRST thing that you must understand for this surgery to be helpful to you is that it is a TOOL not a cure!!!!! There is still every mental and physical hurdle to overcome with or without the band. Please don't go into this thinking that the band is going to solve your problems. I have the band. I did years of research and self assessment before having the surgery years ago. You can still gain weight after having the surgery. Again, this is a tool NOT A CURE!!!! The band does not prevent you from making poor food choices nor does it make you get your butt up off of the couch and move. Please, please, PLEASE do more research. Go to support groups. Talk with people that have been both successful and unsuccessful with the band. I do not regret getting the surgery. I honestly believe that it quite likely saved my life. I have lost ~150 lbs so far and still have ~ 40-50 lbs to go.

    OP has already stated they will be doing calorie counting and exercise, and is not pursuing the surgery.
  • fatcity66
    fatcity66 Posts: 1,544 Member
    prrite wrote: »
    Goodness. I know my thoughts on this subject will go against the grain here. I came to see how others had progressed since having surgery, and found this. It's obvious I had taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque. I had no idea of all the great physicians on here. A person asked for an opinion and gets body slammed for even considering doing something that may help them out? Really? Unless I have a medical degree diploma tacked on my wall, I'm not about to tell or suggest to anyone what is good or bad for them. It's their best interest to seek the advice of a MEDICAL Doctor, and be assessed by a professional. Having gone through the process myself, 5 months removed from, gasp, drops head in shame, bariatric surgery, I talked to my Doctor, I talked to the Bariatric Surgeon, a Pyschiatrist, a Nutrionist, Physical Fitness advisor and made an informed decisison that I thought was best for me. Has it been easy? Hell no. People think Bypass/Bariatric surgery is cheating....that somehow, you're getting a free pass on excercise and eating healthy. That is misinformed gobbledy-gook. I've worked to lose weight before surgery and after to maintain my health. I've had no ulcers, no pain, and gradually eased back into a normal diet again. I can eat anything, let me repeat that for the professionals, anything I want, when I want. I just limit how much I input. I'll state that I don't count calories or depend on medicines to replace nutrients, etc. My blood work is fine. My sugars are normal again, my blood pressure is normal. I weigh 86 pounds less than i did 5 months ago and I feel great. I'm still losing, by the way. I walk 5-8 miles a day on average. My motto has been Less In, More Out - let me explain that a littler bit for the more advanced degreed professionals - Less In = Eat Less; More Out = Exercise More - another cheat; if you will, if your input (food) is less than your output (excercise), you will lose weight (shocking theory ain't it)? To the professionals out there giving advice, I'm glad I didn't bother listening to you. I would still feel miserable. And yes, I get it, whose fault is that? Mine. You are absolutely correct. But I did something about it. I cheated. I fought the law and won. I swam upstream, I thumbed my nose at the establishment. I didn't lift the toilet seat when I went #1. I went in the out door. I pushed when I should've pulled. So what? I'm happy about it. As a matter of fact, I'm damn glad I did it. Get an informed opinion, from a MEDICAL Doctor. Ann Landers, Dear Abby & Ms. Cleo, and the rest of the professionals on this board don't know squat about you. Take charge of your own life and quit giving a flip about what others think about it. Ultimately, it's your body. It's your decision. Happy New Year! Mine will be!

    In other words, don't come on a message board asking for advice about weight loss surgery.
    Agreed.
  • nesquibel
    nesquibel Posts: 1 Member
    kyta32 wrote: »
    Generally you need to be morbidly obese (BMI above 45) or obese (35-40) and have risk factors linked to obesity (heart disease, diabetes), or at the discretion of your surgical team. Due to the severe side effects, this is a decision you need to make with your Dr, or the surgeon your Dr refers you to. Keep in mind that there are possible side effects with the surgery, ranging from serious to uncomfortable to embarassing:
    • 30% of patients end up with gallstones
    • 20% of patients require follow-up surgery
    • 30% of patients end up with complications leading to malnutrition
    • The surgery may cause or worsen urinary or fecal incontinence
    • Patients can end up feeling cold, achey, or moody, and their hair may thin out
    • Patients are more likely to get diarrhea from eating fatty or sugary food
    • Dehydration and vomiting
    • Ulcers and stenosis at surgical site
    • Increased rates of suicide and substance abuse (food is no a comfort measure)

    The surgery does not guarantee weight will stay off. Many patients have learned to eat around it. The answer to long term weight management is a healthy, calorie limited diet and exercise, whether or not you have the surgery.

    If you are having problems losing weight and the problem is hunger, be sure to eat protein- and fiber-rich foods (the MFP recommendation for protein intake may be to low - try for .8g/kg of body weight or 1 g/lb lean mass). You can also try weighing your food to be sure of your calorie intake. You may be eating more than you think.

    There has been research supporting HIIT as a more effective use of workout time than steady state cardio for weight loss. There are a number of workouts on the internet you can use. The best exercise program is one you can stick to, however. Try to find a way to work out that does not seem like a chore. I like Karate because I feel like I'm learning something, and I'm mentally engaged. I also like dancing, because music motivates me...

    Be sure to talk to your Dr and good luck :)

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