Gastric Bypass & Weight Loss Surgery
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People aren't very aware of their biases sometimes. There seems to be an underlying perception that WLS is taking the "easy way out." While I have not had WLS, I have researched it, including listening to people who have had it. Generally people don't describe the recovery and life changes afterwards as being "easy."
For most people, going down the WLS path still takes effort even to get the process started.
I'm not sure we should really be judging people harshly for taking steps to improve their health just because it's not the choice that works for other people.
Nobody should be judged harshly for any tool they use to lose weight, but some people aren't happy unless they're condescending.
I'm 16 years post-op, and I've kept off 200 lbs. I most likely would've been dead before 35 if I hadn't had it. There's absolutely nothing easy about it. Even all these years out, there's always the chance that something I eat won't get chewed quite enough, or will have some other factor that causes it not to go down like it should, and my reward is not keeping anything down for 2 days after.0 -
I had sleeve surgery six months ago yesterday. I'm down 84 pounds and want to lose about 45-50 more. I can honestly say that if I had continued down my "typical" path--lose 40 pounds, gain back 60--I would have been dealing with life-threatening issues within 10 years or less. As it was, I was not living life at all--I had "outgrown" roller coaster rides and plane seats. My ankles and collapsed arches hurt too much to hike or even walk around the block. I was miserable and growing more so every day. The tragedy of being greatly obese is that your body actually gets so broken down that food is one of the few pleasures left to it.
I am a relatively disciplined person, but I felt hungry every moment I was on a diet. This surgery has given me a reprieve from that constant, gnawing beast. I am tracking and exercising and doing great. The biggest challenge is making sure that I can get in enough fuel for my workouts. I've been lifting weights and doing cardio 3-5 hours a week or more for the past 4 months and I can honestly say I've never been this fit in my adult life. I plan to hike my heiny off this spring, and be running a half marathon by the fall. Having surgery doesn't make me weak, but it did allow the strong me to have a fighting chance.0 -
There are groups for this sort of topic.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/groups
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So you couldn't have figured out what foods "work for you" without surgery?jenny0599 wrote:I had gastric bypass surgery 9/22/14. I am down 60 lbs and couldn't be any happier with my life changing decision...
I have to have more self control now more than ever before my surgery. I can't drink carbonated drinks, certain meats/veggies/fruits, etc., if I do, I will get physically sick.
Before surgery, yeah I could intake these things and run the risk of gaining weight. I would just tell myself, "I'll start eating and exercising better Monday", well Monday would come and go and no changes. After surgery, you learn to adjust and figure out what foods work for you. I have more will power now than I've had my whole life.
You didn't have the ability to control your intake before surgery?
You couldn't have taken control of your life, stopped procrastinating getting healthy, without surgery?
At my last checkup, my doctor introduced me to an intern who was doing his endocrinology rotation, a young doctor who'd never seen anyone succeed at losing weight without surgery, apparently didn't believe it was possible.
It is.
Doesn't take permanently wrecking my body for me to exercise willpower, learn to eat less & exercise more.
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Sadly, I expected a comment like this. Unfortunately, I find a lot of people do not quite understand WLS. It is in no way the easy way out, nor is it lazy to get it done. Who says that people never tried to lose weight before? Most people who get WLS are people who struggled with their weight for quite a long time. Not to mention a good amount of WLS patients have an underlying condition worsened or brought on by obesity. (PCOS, diabetes, high blood pressure, Sleep Apnea, etc.) WLS is a tool, nothing more. You have to put the work in to lose the weight. I have tried every diet you can possibly think of before and it either not work or gain the weight back.
I am sorry but I just do not like it when people who obviously know nothing about WLS come in and act so condescendingly about it. Do some research and maybe just maybe you wouldn't have that attitude about people who just want to be healthy. Yes, I have had WLS and yes it was the best decision of my life. I am healthier than I have been in a really long time. I do not believe WLS is permanently 'wrecking' my body. It simply modifies it. WLS did not give me willpower, I already had it. Thank you.
Anyways, have a nice day and try to be more understanding and kind next time.
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rnlamar455 wrote: »Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I'm currently going through the process of having the RNY Gastric Bypass surgery. So I decided to create this discussion topic for everyone who is interested in WLS (Weight Loss Surgery), are going to have WLS, or veterans of the surgery themselves! Happy typing (:
Hello! I had the VSG (Vertical Gastric Sleeve) December 31, 2014. It was the single best decision of my life. I would love to meet people who are interested in, having or had WLS. (Any kind.)
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I had Gastric Bypass RNY surgery in 2006. I'd have to say it was a lot easier than having to lose the weight on my own. I don't know how, but this surgery changed everything. It changed my perception on food. It is indescribable. I have no cravings for fried fast food. I went down the wrong road of eating sweets again, but I have no desire for any fast food restaurant, which I used to eat 3 times a day. I know how important it is to choose better foods because I can only have so little. I'm very lucky that I had no complications and I've only gained 15/20 lbs back which I'm getting back off now. The reason why I gained was because I stopped following the rules. Follow the rules! If you fall off track, remember the rules. Protein first, don't eat with your meals, take your vitamins and smaller portions. Good Luck!! I get so excited to hear people having the surgery! I'm so happy for them! They are making a decision to improve their health and changing their life forever!0
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I had GBS RNY July 7th, 2010 and if I had to do it all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat. Believe me, its not easy!! You have restrictions and rules to follow. If you break them, you will gain weight. Simple as that!! You will hit plateaus but dont worry. As long as you follow the rules and work out (cardio along with free weights,) you will succeed and hopefully tighten up any loose skin you may have. Even though I lost a total of 120 lbs, I will watch what I eat, follow MFP, and work out 3-4 times a week. But know this... I rock that bikini every summer on the beach and by the pool!!!!
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I had gastric sleeve surgery 2/2/15. It was not an easy decision to make but after researching and interviewing people who had the surgery I made the decision to improve my health. I've yoyo dieted for the past 20 - 30 years. Lose 50 gain 50. My goal is to use the tool (that's what I call it) to help me maintain my loss. The diet is no different than any other diet I've been on, watch what you eat, portion control, and exercise. I'm very good at dieting but have struggled to keep the weight off. I had a well documented weight loss and insurance approved me within 30 days. They did not require me to lose weight prior to surgery or make me jump through lots of hoops. I know there are many people who are against weight loss surgery. I personally believe each person has to decide what works for them and it may not be surgery. I would support anyone who had found something that works for them and support them on their journey.0
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I'm having my RNY April 16th0
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I don't understand why people are opposed to WLS. It helps save lives. It's a personal decision, a serious medical choice made with your doctor. It requires a lot of dedication and courage. People who make this difficult choice and succeed are to be admired. Others who do not need it or choose it for their own reasons should respect those who choose a different path for their own reasons.0
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I had the gastric sleeve 7/29/14. I began using MFP in my 6 month doctor supervised weight loss period. I lost 45 lbs pre-op, and an additional 99 lbs since surgery.
It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I wish weight loss was simply a matter of watching your calories and moving more. I ate FAR better than almost everyone else I knew, and yet I looked like I sat around and ate tubs of Crisco all day long. Every person is different. Every person's physiology is different. what works for one person will not work for another.
That being said, it is important to remember that WLS is NOT a cure. It's a tool. You still have to work at what you eat, how you eat, getting enough water in, etc.
Good Luck!0 -
Hi everyone. I haven't had WLS yet, but I am about to start the appts with my team of doctors. I am going through a program and if I am a candidate, the surgery will be covered by my health plan. I have been on a referred patient wait list for just over a year. I am pretty sure I am a candidate for surgery and plan on getting it as soon as I am able. My question is "How did you decide which surgery to get"? Does your doctor just tell you what they think is best or do you have a choice? I have been overweight my whole life (about 24 years, since I was 9) but never have I been as big as I am now. I have diabetes, PCOS and possibly sleep apnea. I am ready for this change in my life! Please, if anyone wants to add me, anyone with info or wants to keep each other accountable, please do! I look forward to hearing from all of you
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I'm going through the pre-op program now. Hoping for surgery in May. I was primarily interested in the sleeve but after seeing the surgeon I'm leaning more toward RNY. What he told me made a lot of sense. He said they're both good surgeries and he'll do whichever I decide but RNY has been around 55 years while the sleeve has only been in practice for 5. So far, the sleeve appears to be nearly as effective but there simply is no long term data beyond 5 years. Also, dumping syndrome sounds miserable but can be a useful tool to keep me on track since sugar addiction is one of my biggest issues. Fear of dumping should keep me honest!!! Whichever you choose, once you've made up your mind, stick with it. No regrets. Good luck!0
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I don't understand why people are opposed to WLS. It helps save lives. It's a personal decision, a serious medical choice made with your doctor. It requires a lot of dedication and courage. People who make this difficult choice and succeed are to be admired. Others who do not need it or choose it for their own reasons should respect those who choose a different path for their own reasons.
Because they like to be "right," even if they don't have the first clue what they're talking about. Honestly, I don't think all those tv shows following people having it done help matters, either. They select for hyper-dramatic people who will whine and cry a lot, and it just feeds the stereotype of surgery being the lazy way out instead of focusing on how much additional work it is day to day.0 -
hi guys! first off just wanted to say congrats to everyone! i am thinking about going in for WLS but just wanted to ask anyone who is around the 16 stone mark have you had any problem with excess skin? can this be avoided with alot of exercise? thanks guys! xx0
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Hi I had a bypass on the 2nd July 2014 I have lost 8 stone 8 pounds so far which works out to about 6 stone 8 pounds after my surgery, I use MFP every day to keep me on track with my protein and calories as snacking remains a big problem for me.
Clare1479 in response to your question everyone is very different with skin, I weighed 24stone 7 pounds at the beginning of my journey and still have 4 and a half stone left to loose for 'my' target of 11 stone 6. I am much older than you I am 42 and previously when I have lost weight ( i lost 8 stone on my own 10 years ago) my skin shrunk back, now I have bingo wings, my boobs are empty a bit like a naan breads and my tummy looks like a balloon you find three weeks after a party stuck down the back of a settee, also my inner thighs have little skin pouches on them and just under my bum I have a couple of creases, I expect it to get worse. I run 20k a week, i moisturise after every shower, however I was a smoker before my op also. I intend to have all my skin cut off and some new boobs so am saving up at the moment. 16 stone is tiny in the grand scheme of things and I would say think very very hard about WLS its not easy and it doesnt always go well for people. My weight loss is not huge, some months I am lucky to loose 4 pounds! I have friends that really struggle to eat, never go out with friends socialising etc for fear of being ill, they have lost their hair and feel weak all the time, there are lots of WLS support groups on facebook and these are worth joining to get a balanced view of things
Good luck in your journey0 -
I have been on a weight list (lottery) for entry to a WLS Research study being conducted in conjunction with my Office of Group Benifits and the Pennington Biomedical Research Facility near LSU where I work. I had my 1st screening visit after a year of waiting and it went very well! Lots of paperwork, Psych Evals and medical test. I got the word today that I made it through and one of the doctors told me to start the next step which is a 2 week liquid diet which I have to follow to a tee or I'm out! My diet starts this Friday! I find it very aprapoe that I start my next big step on "Good Friday" it WILL be a good Friday!
Just a bit of background.....I am 46 this May 5th, mother of 2 adult sons and 2 Furbabies. I have been plump most my life and have yoyo'ed for most of it! My current highest weight is 344 with Type 2 Diabetes, arthritis in both my knees (surgery on both, the left twice) but health wise that's really it..I know I am Blessed, my mom passed from heart issues 3 years ago, I refuse that to be me! My wonderful and supportive wife as well as my boys stand beside me on this journey to the true and healthy Me, but you can never have enough support so here I am! I would love to find friends who are on this same journey, so add me and let's support each other!
✨Brightest Blessings!✨
Oh and thanks to all who stood up to MKEgal....they did sound like a mean, unsupportive Drill Sargent!0 -
"There are groups for this sort of topic.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/groups"
Are you saying that the OP doesn't have the right to create her own discussion "because there are groups for this sort of topic"?
I'm nine years out and maintained a 100+ pound weight loss. For me it was not the "easy way" out, it was the only way out. I have never regretted my decision.
Rachel you are doing what is right for you. No one else should think that they can make that decision for you or ostracize you for the choice you are making.0 -
herrspoons wrote: »Yeah... The topic is months old, and the last entry before yours was 2 weeks ago.
Meaning what? Not sure that even matters.
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This discussion has been closed.
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