Why choose "the hard way" instead of bariatric surgery?
jesscoll317
Posts: 85 Member
I've had several people in my life lose weight with bariatric surgery. Gobs and gobs of weight. So much weight I find myself jealous and questioning why I'm even trying "the hard way".
Do any of you feel the same way -- at least from time to time? Anyone ever consider bariatric surgery? What led you to MFP instead?
Do any of you feel the same way -- at least from time to time? Anyone ever consider bariatric surgery? What led you to MFP instead?
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That is exactly what lead me here in 2011!!! Doctor wanted me to start the program for surgery . I refused and proved that I could do it . this time around I'm doing it for me and not to prove it to anyone0
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Two of my coworkers went with weight loss surgery and I find myself staring at them jealous. But it comes with risks and doesn't always stick. If you don't learn the change of lifestyle no matter how much you may loose you'll go back to an unhealthy life.
I figure slow and steady for a better life not just quick results.
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I've never considered bariatric surgery, mostly because I have an aversion to the idea of having any surgery (I'm scared of going under anesthetic), but also because I watched a documentary some time back that showed what happens during different types of weight loss surgery.
Now, I'm not squeamish. I've had jobs where I've had to look at full colour photographs of operations gone wrong, photos of people with terrible infections and injuries (I worked for a clinical negligence firm for a little while), and I'm studying the history of medicine right now which means I get to read about historical operations that seem like they would be classified as torture today. But, while watching the documentary, I tried to imagine going through that myself, and it made me go cold.
I knew then, that if I did this the hard way, that it would take years. It took me years to get here, and it will take years to fix.
Also, I don't think I deserve a 'quick fix'. I've always worked for everything I have in life and, for me, I feel that my health and happiness should be earned. For me, this is about changing my ways of thinking as well as eating, and I can't imagine that having the surgery would have helped with the psychological side of things the way actually working for this has started to.
Sorry, long rambly post!0 -
I lost the excess weight back in 2009 when my doctor wanted to refer me to get stapled and i went away and lost it on my own also to prove I could . I lost it twice in past so I know I can lose it naturally. My doctor is still quite keen for me to get stapled. I have watched lots of programs about people who have had it done and results are fairly mixed. Some people still put the weight back on or fail to lose because they just can't change and find ways to cheat the new system and let things slide through the new stomach or it stretches back out over time because they continued to over eat.
I have a friend who had it done before christmas and it has worked amazingly well for her though she is losing it too fast apparently. The thing is because I have a very long history of severe binge eating disorder and I have continued to binge in past even with agonising gallbladder attacks, while very ill and while fearing I may die I was so stuffed and carried on eating. That combined with the fact I have bipolar disorder which results in full on insanity at times and horribly reckless behaviour. They might turn me down on grounds of my mental health but even if they did not they should do. The chances of me rupturing a nice new egg sized stomach seem fairly high. Then I hate the idea of staples in my body, it just freaks me out. Add on to that all the risks of surgery. I do still feel torn about it, because on the other hand I have gained all the weight back every time I have lost it so maybe I should get surgery while still big enough to qualify for it.
Another factor is the scale of obesity globally , it is not just a few unfortunate people that need surgery. vast numbers of us are in this position and it just seems insane that humans having internal organs rearranged and cut up over food might become a routine part of life. Clearly the problem is not our anatomy. The problem is the totally unnatural environment and food types that are so readily available. It is not my organs that need altering, it is the food I eat and the world i live in. I need to learn how to eat in a way where I can extricate myself from food addiction. It is different for everyone though. I have no problem with people who choose to have surgery, I still do not rule out the possibility i may go that rout one day.0 -
If you'd have asked me a few years back my answer would've been a resounding NO but my situation has changed.
My family are all heavy. My mother had it done 14 years ago when she was in her early 50's. She began at almost 300 lbs., lost all her weight and has kept it off. Success story. My younger sister had it last year and she's slowly, steadily losing hers, so I know it's an effective tool and can be done if you have your mind right.
My diabetes specialist recommended it to me when I was diagnosed in 2014, reason being, my health is going rapidly downhill and my joints won't last much longer. I can barely walk now and am in constant pain, and it's pretty certain at some point my knees and most likely my hip joints are going to have to be replaced.
I have the choice of either having this surgery done and losing the weight sooner, thereby lessening the damage to my health and joints, or waiting another five years with my body in more rapid decline.
That is my reason for agreeing to it now. Personally, if I could go back to my 20's with the knowledge I have now, knowing how my body would struggle and be damaged in my older years, that would be enough motivation for me to be serious, take the time, do it naturally and permanently. Since that isn't the case I've made my peace with doing what I have to do to ensure the best health I can get as soon as possible.0 -
I am currently going through the process of bariatric surgery. It's been a long slow process. My sister and my diabetes nurse have been suggesting it for years but it always scared me. Finally in September 2014 I asked my doctor to refer me after gaining weight on insulin and being told I have background retinopathy. I had my education session at Derby February 2015 and first appointment with bariatric nurse, dietitian, doctor and psychologist in April 2015. Unfortunately I injured my back in July 2015 and was off work not able to move for three weeks. My depression got worse and I ate everything bad I could get my hands on. I then had phased return to work and a slow recovery. At my next appointment in September I had gained weight which was a big no no. I was asked to get back on track and told I would see the dietician and psychologist again in 3 months. That three months is actually going to be 6.5 months as my next appointment is Monday 11th April. I have now lost all the weight I gained and am back to what I weighed in February 2015. I have been going to a support group as well as being in a couple of specific private Facebook groups. At the moment I am back to not wanting the surgery again as this is the first time I have ever made it to day 32 on here and lost 17lb in one month. For me something finally clicked in my head a month ago. Firstly for the first time since 2001 I am finally debt free. That has been such a major stress that mentally I feel like I have already lost 10st. And secondly after a bad ibs flare up a month ago I just said I can't keep living like this. So for the first time ever I am managing to lose the weight. But it is too soon to know if I can keep going and keep it off. So I'm not coming off the bariatric route just yet. I will ask to be deferred for 3 months. The one thing I will say in regard to the title of this thread, surgery is not the easy answer. It is a very hard decision, you have to jump through hoops and the lead up to it and post surgery recovery is harsh. You will never be able to eat normally again so will always live a post surgery life. It is a tool to help not a solution alone. However not one person I know that's had it done regrets it. I have a lot more thinking to do.0
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I thought about weight loss surgery many times. But most of the time when the thought crossed my mind it was at a time when I was feeling at my lowest and I was completely off my weight loss journey. But it never went past the thought process because I know that I lost weight before on my own with no surgery. Just hard work, eating clean and exercising. It's definitely the road less traveled, especially when you have over 150 pounds to lose. But be encouraged on your journey, it's the healthier way to lose weight. And the variations surgery isn't the end all for the ppl who have it. It's just a tool to help them lose weight faster, but once they get use to their new lil stomach and the weight stops falling off, then there right back in the boat with us. They still have to diet and exercise to keep the weight off. I feel a sense of accomplishment when ppl started noticing me losing weight. Cause I know how hard it is and I'm still doing it!!!! Starting weight 490, current weight 424
I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there 1 pound at a time........"the hard way" )) 0 -
Thought about it. The mortality rate is much lower then it was 20 years ago although there is still some risk. Here is the thought that keeps me from doing it. Basically, the surgery just limits the amount you can eat, and you lose weight due to a calorie deficit. I can just limit my calories without surgery and save myself a butt load of pain and money. Having said that, I've been dieting most of my life and weigh over 450 lbs so understand that feeling of desperation that would cause someone to make that choice. Who knows, I may end up doing it myself one day. I really wish they would hurry up and come up with that pill that lets you lose weight no matter how many Oreo cookies you eat! 0
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I figure that if I don't have my eating under control, the surgery will never "stick" long term anyway. So if I can learn to control my eating and exercising habits, the weight will come off naturally... no surgery needed. I, obviously, have not been able to accomplish this task. It's a lack of control and lack of discipline. These things won't magically appear with surgery.
A lot of people think the money they spend on surgery will be their motivator to not screw it up. But the key is really a good diet and exercise. No magic pill, no surgery will make up for good eating and exercise habits. I know many who gained weight back because they never had their food under control.
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I realize my last statement in my previous post sounds a bit rude. That definitely wasn't my intention.
Surgery isn't a quick fix.
Surgery is a major commitment and I guess I'm adverse to it because it doesn't exactly teach you how to live a healthier lifestyle after the loss. You have to live a different life but I suppose I know too many people that made a lot of poor lifestyle choices post op.
I've had my dr recommend weight loss surgery but it isn't for me. I've had major surgery and it changed my life and I'd rather not do that again unless it's absolutely necessary.0 -
Hi all! I have been lurking and reading everything and would like to share my story.
I have been obese just about all of my life. I have tried everything including bariatric surgery which was 3 years ago. I spent a lot of money and time and even with this I only lost 15 kg s and have since regained it and plus more !!!
I have seen people lose massive amounts and some nil.
I am obsessive and exercise when I was younger was it. As soon as I stopped it all came back. It really is what you put in your mouth.
I found keto about 6 weeks ago and this is life changing. Honestly, it is so common sense it amazes me. Its nothing new just a new way of doing things. I love it. It suits me and my life style.
I am doing this for me and only me.
Keto on
helen0 -
Welcome qu33nbee53/ Helen
I do best on Keto also. I am glad you have found what works for you. Ultimately we each have to find what works best for us individually and the solutions might be quite different. Surgery works great for some but clearly not all. It must have been really upsetting to go through it and have it not work. Well done for persisting in seeking the right solution for you.0 -
Mad_Medusa wrote: »I realize my last statement in my previous post sounds a bit rude. That definitely wasn't my intention.
I don't think it sounded rude at all, far from it
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This is where I'm headed. I would have already had the surgery (VSG) back in October2015 had I not "flunked" the pre-surgical psych exam where I got diagnosed with a rare eating disorder (BED) & haven't found any place near me that can deal with that or accepts my insurance. So, it's back to MFP until I figure out what to do next.
I'll respond with more later as my dinner hour is over and I have to get back to work.
...from what I've read over the years about bariatric surgery, it's definitely NOT the easy way out!0 -
Helen, I'm in your boat. I had the surgery 13 years ago. I lost 80-ish pounds and gained most of it back. I now weigh 20 pounds less than after that 80 pound loss (100 pounds below my all-time high), with MFP - logging and exercise.
However, I really understand the hopelessness that makes the surgery so attractive. My (twin) sister did it about a year before me and I was desperate to catch up. It has caused vitamin deficiencies, so I have to closely monitor iron, d, b, etc. I have been treated several times for anemia.
If you can make it work, more power to you! However, it's about the eating. I learned the hard way, that whether you do it or not, you need a place like MFP to log your intake, improve your eating habits, and get regular exercise.
IMHO, the surgery is optional, MFP is required!0 -
Helen, I'm in your boat. I had the surgery 13 years ago. I lost 80-ish pounds and gained most of it back. I now weigh 20 pounds less than after that 80 pound loss (100 pounds below my all-time high), with MFP - logging and exercise.
However, I really understand the hopelessness that makes the surgery so attractive. My (twin) sister did it about a year before me and I was desperate to catch up. It has caused vitamin deficiencies, so I have to closely monitor iron, d, b, etc. I have been treated several times for anemia.
If you can make it work, more power to you! However, it's about the eating. I learned the hard way, that whether you do it or not, you need a place like MFP to log your intake, improve your eating habits, and get regular exercise.
IMHO, the surgery is optional, MFP is required!ObesityWarrior wrote: »Welcome qu33nbee53/ Helen
I do best on Keto also. I am glad you have found what works for you. Ultimately we each have to find what works best for us individually and the solutions might be quite different. Surgery works great for some but clearly not all. It must have been really upsetting to go through it and have it not work. Well done for persisting in seeking the right solution for you.
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thanx for your kind words. Yes we all need to find what works for each of us. This keto is good for me as I love fats and little protein . I never knew how much carbs was in EVERYTHING WHOLLY MOLLEY scary. anyway I am glad I can chat with you guys and hope we all find success...0
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qu33nbee53 wrote: »Helen, I'm in your boat. I had the surgery 13 years ago. I lost 80-ish pounds and gained most of it back. I now weigh 20 pounds less than after that 80 pound loss (100 pounds below my all-time high), with MFP - logging and exercise.
However, I really understand the hopelessness that makes the surgery so attractive. My (twin) sister did it about a year before me and I was desperate to catch up. It has caused vitamin deficiencies, so I have to closely monitor iron, d, b, etc. I have been treated several times for anemia.
If you can make it work, more power to you! However, it's about the eating. I learned the hard way, that whether you do it or not, you need a place like MFP to log your intake, improve your eating habits, and get regular exercise.
IMHO, the surgery is optional, MFP is required!ObesityWarrior wrote: »Welcome qu33nbee53/ Helen
I do best on Keto also. I am glad you have found what works for you. Ultimately we each have to find what works best for us individually and the solutions might be quite different. Surgery works great for some but clearly not all. It must have been really upsetting to go through it and have it not work. Well done for persisting in seeking the right solution for you.
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thanx obesity warrior.0
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Maybe I shouldn't have used the term "hard way" or insinuated an "easy way" -- this is a tough battle for all, no matter which way we choose to fight.
I've just had some bad experiences with family members in my past who've chosen surgery. I'm letting those experiences color my view. My apologies, everyone. But I've been encouraged reading everyone's thoughts on this topic. Thank you all for "weighing" in.
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I don't think any apologies are needed... I think we all get it. We all have the same beast we fight, we may have to battle it in slightly different ways but we all know to well the pain and struggle .... it sucks!!!! It is so fantastic that we can all ask questions of one another to see if something we may be thinking about doing has been done.....and who can help with questions and experiences ...ALL without JUDGEMENT ..... That being said.... If you are considering the surgery you have to listen closely to the instructions of the Dr's, If you do not follow their strict guidelines then there will be problems. Sometimes there are problems like stated above even when you do follow the rules. 2 big reasons why I did not have the surgery 1) they said if all your ducks were not in a row it was not likely you would be successful in your weight loss (if your head is not in the game, if your family is not on board, outside stress, good support system etc....) My darn ducks would never line up! 2) Insurance would not pay for it when my ducks did line up. Otherwise I probably would have had it by now0
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