Doctor suggested gastric bypass--freaking out!

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  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
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    I would definitely try doing it on my own before resorting to surgery

    http://www.salon.com/2015/11/02/weight_loss_surgery_was_easy_it_was_becoming_thin_that_drove_me_to_the_brink/
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
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    Just one last thing ... with your eating disorder history, please stay healthy and don't go to extremes in your desire to lose weight. I'm not saying you will, but that behavioral tendency is always lurking. Honestly, that's the main reason I was aghast at the bypass recommendation (besides my layperson's opinion based on what you posted that you can lose the weight on your own). Let's give someone who's recovered from a history of anorexia a way to only consume minimal calories a day! What could go wrong?! :grimace:

    I'm sure you have your strategies and coping skills, just please promise to seek help immediately if you feel triggered back to those old behaviors on your path to losing weight. :heart:
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,679 Member
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    My opinion: gastric bypass isn't to be taken lightly. You will NEVER be able to eat the same again, even with foods that you actually enjoy in small amounts.
    At your height and weight, you're not in dire need of GB. You really just need to commit to a weight loss program you can sustain and an eating lifestyle you can continue for life.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
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    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited December 2015
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    I think it's a case of a specialist not being able to see past his nose. "Gotta fix the bad breathing! What'll fix the breathing? The weight, oh right, ok let's do a little chop chop and fix that right up and the breathing will be good".

    What's that joke? You cured the disease, but killed the patient. Doctor's affliction. (Not that WLS is "killing the patient", but it's very serious and - I thought! - a last resort.)
  • allenpriest
    allenpriest Posts: 1,102 Member
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    kimberlyseyboldt wrote: »
    Sounds like you are on the right track without seeking surgery. I admire you for taking things seriously and knowing it isn't just about putting food in your mouth - you are also getting the help through therapy you need as well. Find a lifestyle that works for you.

    I supplement with a nutrient dense protein shake to get my macronutrients balanced (carbs, protein, fat). And I also found a cellular cleanse I love. Cleansing toxins out of your body not only helps with weight loss but also energy and mental clarity. Sustainable and not a quick fix is exactly what you should be doing. If it doesn't feel right in your gut (no pun intended

    Cleanse? No no no.

    God gave you kidneys and a liver. Let them do their jobs in peace.
  • PaulaWallaDingDong
    PaulaWallaDingDong Posts: 4,641 Member
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    kimberlyseyboldt wrote: »
    Sounds like you are on the right track without seeking surgery. I admire you for taking things seriously and knowing it isn't just about putting food in your mouth - you are also getting the help through therapy you need as well. Find a lifestyle that works for you.

    I supplement with a nutrient dense protein shake to get my macronutrients balanced (carbs, protein, fat). And I also found a cellular cleanse I love. Cleansing toxins out of your body not only helps with weight loss but also energy and mental clarity. Sustainable and not a quick fix is exactly what you should be doing. If it doesn't feel right in your gut (no pun intended

    Cellular cleanse? Never heard that one before. Don't want to encourage cleanse talk, but I'm curious.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,988 Member
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    PaulaWallaDingDong wrote: »
    kimberlyseyboldt wrote: »
    Sounds like you are on the right track without seeking surgery. I admire you for taking things seriously and knowing it isn't just about putting food in your mouth - you are also getting the help through therapy you need as well. Find a lifestyle that works for you.

    I supplement with a nutrient dense protein shake to get my macronutrients balanced (carbs, protein, fat). And I also found a cellular cleanse I love. Cleansing toxins out of your body not only helps with weight loss but also energy and mental clarity. Sustainable and not a quick fix is exactly what you should be doing. If it doesn't feel right in your gut (no pun intended

    Cellular cleanse? Never heard that one before. Don't want to encourage cleanse talk, but I'm curious.

    Ya, I am curious too but maybe @kimberlyseyboldt should start a thread on this so as not to derail this one, and be prepared to spell out exactly what toxins are being cleansed, and the science behind this.
  • sherbear702
    sherbear702 Posts: 649 Member
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    colorfulmosaic wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    do you think it's unreasonable of me to want to keep doing this on my own rather than via surgery?... I actually enjoy exercise and feel my appetite is under control--I mean, I'm eating at a deficit and losing weight

    Long answer short, no. It's not unreasonable. Just because a doctor tells you, you have the option to do something doesn't mean you have to. They can prescribe pills, but you don't have to pick up the prescription. He can suggest surgery, but you don't have to. Especially if you aren't comfortable with it.

    It sounds like you are on track to getting into a normal weight range. I say keep on keeping on without surgery. You're doing great, don't let this throw a wrench in it.
  • 13bbird13
    13bbird13 Posts: 425 Member
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    One more vote for a second opinion! I'm not a doctor but you don't seem to be heavy enough for gastric bypass to be a front-burner solution. I'm wary of some doctors and their quick-fix plans... mine was going to put me on thyroid meds, but when I said no he immediately changed his tune to "well, your thyroid levels could be considered normal". Oh yeah? Then why try to put me on meds?? Geez. You have to advocate for yourself and don't just accept whatever the first MD tells you. Best of luck, and keep up the good (natural) weight-loss work!
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    kimberlyseyboldt wrote: »
    Sounds like you are on the right track without seeking surgery. I admire you for taking things seriously and knowing it isn't just about putting food in your mouth - you are also getting the help through therapy you need as well. Find a lifestyle that works for you.

    I supplement with a nutrient dense protein shake to get my macronutrients balanced (carbs, protein, fat). And I also found a cellular cleanse I love. Cleansing toxins out of your body not only helps with weight loss but also energy and mental clarity. Sustainable and not a quick fix is exactly what you should be doing. If it doesn't feel right in your gut (no pun intended
    if you are not looking for a quick fix then what is the "cellular cleanse" then? what toxins are you "cleansing" out of your body that your organs dont already get rid of? how does it help with weight loss,energy or mental clarity? inquiring minds want to know
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    edited December 2015
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    I second the idea of getting a second opinion! You're making progress, and you can get a cpap for your sleep apnea. Why take on the risks of surgery, and permanent discomfort? Plus, you've had eating issues, and taking your time might not hurt.
  • colorfulmosaic
    colorfulmosaic Posts: 9 Member
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    Thanks so much for the continued replies! I really appreciate the support! I just felt the whole encounter was ironic because I actually feel great now that I'm eating a balanced, healthy diet and am moving around more. It was jarring to hear the doctor suggest something so drastic when I am the best I've ever been as far as eating goes--neither starving nor binging. I feel that what I'm doing now is sustainable over the long term. I think the surgery would throw a huge wrench in everything. I'll keep on keeping on as many of you have suggested. It reassures me that my PCP doesn't agree with the pulmonologist because she knows the whole picture of my health and not just one piece.

    Thanks again for all of the help! This is a wonderful site!
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    kimberlyseyboldt wrote: »
    Sounds like you are on the right track without seeking surgery. I admire you for taking things seriously and knowing it isn't just about putting food in your mouth - you are also getting the help through therapy you need as well. Find a lifestyle that works for you.

    I supplement with a nutrient dense protein shake to get my macronutrients balanced (carbs, protein, fat). And I also found a cellular cleanse I love. Cleansing toxins out of your body not only helps with weight loss but also energy and mental clarity. Sustainable and not a quick fix is exactly what you should be doing. If it doesn't feel right in your gut (no pun intended

    Name one toxin you believe you are cleansing from your body. Hint-there are none.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    elphie754 wrote: »
    kimberlyseyboldt wrote: »
    Sounds like you are on the right track without seeking surgery. I admire you for taking things seriously and knowing it isn't just about putting food in your mouth - you are also getting the help through therapy you need as well. Find a lifestyle that works for you.

    I supplement with a nutrient dense protein shake to get my macronutrients balanced (carbs, protein, fat). And I also found a cellular cleanse I love. Cleansing toxins out of your body not only helps with weight loss but also energy and mental clarity. Sustainable and not a quick fix is exactly what you should be doing. If it doesn't feel right in your gut (no pun intended

    Name one toxin you believe you are cleansing from your body. Hint-there are none.

    lol basically what I asked
  • tomteboda
    tomteboda Posts: 2,171 Member
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    It bears noting that gastric bypass surgery is a highly profitable commercial product that many surgical centers now "specialize" in. If you're losing on your own, I'd get a different doctor.. in a different medical center, for that second opinion. And probably change doctors altogether.
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
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    Some doctors are knife happy. I had one just a few weeks ago on my first visit talk about taking out my gallbladder. You know what's best for your body.
  • songbird13291
    songbird13291 Posts: 120 Member
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    I consulted a surgeon for a hiatal hernia and he suggested I consider bariatric surgery at the same time as I have the hernia repair. His process includes meeting with a nutritionist, getting clearance from a psychologist, attending support group meetings, and six months off weight loss on an appropriate plan. It's entirely possible to undo the benefits of surgery if you don't follow through afterwards with diet and exercise.

    In other words, bariatric surgery is not a magic bullet, you still have to do the work. Of the four people I know who had some form of surgery, three didn't lose any weight.

    I met with the surgeon in March, and since then I have lost 40 pounds.

    That's when you start asking "do I really need the surgery, I'm doing well on my own."

    I do need surgery, to repair the hernia. Not sure, though, if I'm going forward with the bariatric procedure.
  • jackstraw67201
    jackstraw67201 Posts: 14 Member
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    A little more than a year ago, I considered gb surgery. Went to a consultation with a doctor, and he went over everything involved. Everything.... He also talked about the long term success, acid reflux, and all the other nasty stuff that went along after surgery. I was horrified. Scared enough to actually start doing something myself. Go to the consultation, you will leave there and join a gym.. Good luck :smile:
  • namelesshere
    namelesshere Posts: 334 Member
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    My pcp also suggested surgery for me. I changed Drs. Actually, like you, I am overweight. I have known more who have had the surgery and gained the weight back than were able to keep it off. It is not a cure all other than the big money maker it is for those who don't consider all the ramifications. If you are losing without it, and you have a success record keep doing what you are doing. You can honestly tell your pcp that you have thought about the surgery and at this time choose not to go that route if it is suggested again. As for the sleep apnea, when a few more lbs come off, you may find that also disappears. Stay the course and you will get there. Just because a procedure is suggested doesn't mean you have to go there.

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