Gastric Bypass?

stinsjer000
stinsjer000 Posts: 21 Member
in Motivation and Support
So lately I have really been thinking of the option of a Gastric Bypass surgery. I've googled some pros and cons, and I was wondering if you guys could list some as well.

Please do not be rude to me, I just would really love some helpful feedback on this topic. Also, how could I bring this about my doctor? I fit the criteria, so no need to be rude to me over that. And the reason I also said don't be rude, is because for four momths straight, I have done everything about my weight. I have exercised daily, and cut my calories out majorly. The most I lose is 8 pounds, then I plateau and gain more back. I'm losing all motivation to even live anymore, and to be the size I am, doesn't make this any better.

Thank you if you have read this, it means a lot!
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Replies

  • TheresaOrtiz3
    TheresaOrtiz3 Posts: 28 Member
    I have the same issue. I actually went to the informational session and my first appointment with the bariatric doctor. I've been in weight watchers for 5 years and I yoyo with it. I don't have high blood pressure and I'm not diabetic but I'm overweight. I'm giving this (MFP) a try while still going through the motions of Gastric Sleeve surgery. We'll see how much weight I can lose using this and if it's significant by the end of the 6 months I have to wait to get the surgery then I won't get it. But talk to your doctor. My doctor was on board with it. His daughter had it done and is very happy. Good luck and don't give up on yourself. There are worse things in this life then just being fat.
  • cebreisch
    cebreisch Posts: 1,340 Member
    There are lots of things to consider before having surgery - including whether to have gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, lab band....etc.

    It is by no means a cop-out to have surgery. You'll have to do things you really probably won't like to do - but everyone I've spoken with who's had surgery have all said they'd do it again no matter what - that whatever they went through was well worth it.

    Ask your doctor what he/she will require of you before they'll do the surgery. I investigated lap-band surgery and was told they wanted me to lose 90 pounds. I did that, but got a bit full of myself and didn't get the surgery. Then life happened and I've gained 100 pounds back of the 140 pounds I lost. Now regretting that I didn't get the surgery to some degree.

    I would also ask the doctor about seeing a therapist to help you understand how you got to this point of considering the surgery. It really does help.
  • LaceyBirds
    LaceyBirds Posts: 451 Member
    You might find some help in this MFP group: community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/discussions/637-gastric-bypass-vsg-lapband
  • aynos77
    aynos77 Posts: 7 Member
    I am in month 5 of my 6 month weigh loss support / waiting period for gastric sleeve! I have tried it on my own a long time and I haven't been as successful as I need to be, so on Sept 23 rd I will be getting a new tool to help me achieve my goal!

    It is by no way the easy way out, there is still a lot of hard work ahead, but I have confidence I can be sucessful with the surgery!

    *You can add me if you'd like
  • JoenDeb1958
    JoenDeb1958 Posts: 229 Member
    edited July 2016
    I've met a lot of people who had gastric bypass /the sleeve and the stomach stapling...
    I know it's not for me. I just had a wake-up call I'm going to be 58 this year, I have hypertension, I'm a type 2 diabetic.. I want to live a longer and healthy life. I didn't put my weight on overnight it took years and it's going to take time to lose. I'm eating right, exercising, n seeing a therapist.
    I'm not saying that surgery is wrong what I am saying is that I am here if you ever need somebody to talk to.
  • stinsjer000
    stinsjer000 Posts: 21 Member
    I really enjoy the replies so far! Thank you guys a lot for actually reading and responding. I know that this isn't a cop out on weightloss, and my aunt had gotten this surgery, so I guess I have seen some insight in on it. I wouldn't be using this as an easier gateway through losing weight. I am truly ready to dedicate my life to what I need to do to be a healthier person. I'm tired of feeling the way I feel and I feel like I just can't do it the way I'm trying! :/

    Thanks again, much love!
  • Bearbo27
    Bearbo27 Posts: 339 Member
    edited July 2016
    My mom had gastric bypass done last August. She's had issues with different levels being off with her blood work (iron, potassium, etc). She takes the supplements they have her taking but she's battled that this whole year. She's also dealt with malnutrition and dehydration. She spent the first few months having to test out how much and what kinds of foods to eat that would make her instantly throw it up. Keep in mind you still have to learn proper nutrition because it is possible to gain the weight back (my aunt had it done years ago and gained weight back). It definitely is not and "easy way out". My mom only got it done because she had several life threatening health issues and another issue with fluid build up around her brain that needed attention quickly. No surgeon would see her at her weight so she had to get this done.

    Now there is positive to the story as well. She is no longer diabetic, pulmonary hypertension gone, brain issue pretty much resolved. The weight loss has been great for her, but she'll always have to be conscious of what she eats.

    In my personal opinion, unless you have major health issues that are an imminent threat to your life, I wouldn't do it. Many Dr's require you to lose x amount of weight before you can even get the surgery. Reason being is, they want to see that you can maintain healthy habits after surgery. My mom was pushed through the process a bit because of her immediate health issues. If you can lose that weight on your own before surgery, then you could definitely keep it up for the long haul.

    You mentioned you only lose 8 and then stall.. Have you checked out the weight loss forum here. There are many knowledgable people there that give great tips when things like weight loss stalls, you gain, etc. Take some time to look through there and ask questions.

    Whatever you do, I wish you the best. Weight loss is very difficult no matter how we achieve it.

    *Sorry for the blunt post, just wanted to give you some insight. I've been right there watching my mom go through the process. It was a great thing for her health and I am proud of her loss (I believe just over 130lbs), but it is also not something to make a rush decision on.
  • jameejune
    jameejune Posts: 10 Member
    I had gastric bypass 15 months ago. I just went to my doctor and told him I was interested in weight loss surgery. He was supportive and have me a referral. I went to their informational meeting and then scheduled to meet with the surgeon. Check with your insurance and see if you have coverage and who they cover. I have been pretty fortunate and haven't had any major issues since surgery. Initially, I struggled with eating anything after a few weeks I was okay. My labs have all been good since surgery. It is a lifestyle change. The surgery will do all the work the first 6-9 months but if you haven't made the necessary changes, you'll stop losing and could even gain it back. But, if you use it as a tool and eat right and exercise, you could end up with really great, sustainable results. I've lost 155 lbs and only have 15 lbs until my goal weight. Definitely do your research and know what you're getting into, but if I had to go back and make the decision again, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Good luck!
  • MoyMG
    MoyMG Posts: 312 Member
    I had a lap band installed in 2008. Lost 80 pounds, slowly gained it back because (unknown to me) my band had developed problems. Found the problems in 2012, had to have the band removed, and six months later had gastric bypass. I wish I had done that initially! Yes, it is a new way to eat, but it isn't that hard, and the resultant weight loss (125 pounds so far) has led to a) lower blood pressure, now off all BP meds b) diabetes in remission, now off all diabetic medication, c) better cholesterol / triglyceride numbers. And the increase in exercise has led to excellent HD/LD numbers. I still want to lose another 120 pounds, which is why I joined MFP, so I log everything - I do better with that accountability - but I highly recommend having the Gastric Bypass. I talked with my doctor, went to an informational session, met with the bariatric surgeon, checked with my insurance, jumped through the hoops required prior to surgery by both doctor and insurance, and got it done in December 2012. Yes, you can still socialize, you just make sure you eat small amounts. Yes, you can still have alcohol, just in limited quantities. Yes, you can still go to restaurants, just remember that you are the consumer and have the right to a) ask WHAT specifically is in a dish, b) ask that they modify it to suit you, and c) ask that a takeout container come with the dish, so you can immediately store half the food amount to take home - because you have no hope of eating everything they bring you at one sitting! I now get at least two meals (and sometimes three) out of any restaurant meal. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you may have; I'm pulling for you. Moira.
  • niteperson47
    niteperson47 Posts: 1 Member
    I had the gastric sleeve last year. And honestly your best bet is to talk to people who have actually had it because it is not a cure all. I too had issues loosing weight due to medication that made me put it on in the first place. It is by no means a cop out because although at first it is the surgery and lower amounts of food that make you loose weight. It is something you have to put effort into everyday because eventually you can eat more and you CAN and will put all the weight back on. It's a complete lifestyle change! If it's what you want then go talk to your doctor and see what they have to say. I'm down 60 pounds and I feel so much better!
  • desirail
    desirail Posts: 49 Member
    I'm having the sleeve done on August 22. I told my dr that I was tired of blood pressure meds and being pre-diabetic. She was very understanding and referred me to a specialist. My insurance required 6 months of a supervised weight loss plan. The specialist I see has a rule of no weight gain during the 6 month plan. So I have consistently lost every time I stepped on their scale. I am very excited about this next chapter in my life. I know it is going to take commitment on my part to make it work. I have had very supportive friends and family throughout this process. I'm just looking forward to getting off of medication and being healthier than I am now. This is not the easy way out by any means. If you can lose the weight on your own then that's wonderful. I just need an extra tool in my tool belt to help me through the process.

    You asked for pros and cons... I'm not sure what you read but here are some I have experienced in the process leading to surgery.

    Pro
    Weight loss
    More energy
    Sleeping better
    Specialist program classes and support groups
    Less body pain

    Con
    Hair loss (head hair not body hair)
    Liquid diet 2 weeks before surgery (part of specialist program)
    Can't try the Facebook recipe my friends are posting (drives me insane!!!)
    Protein shakes can be expensive (but can we put a price on weight loss and health?)

    If you or anybody would like to add me, I'm always looking for new friends in this journey. Good luck with your weigh loss goals.
  • 150poundsofme
    150poundsofme Posts: 523 Member
    I recently went to three different doctors' seminars, 3 support groups and 2 consultations with 2 different doctors. With my insurance I can get the gastric sleeve in 3 months time. I had a sleeve date for November. I just cancelled that one because the main doc doesn't take my insurance and a new doc is coming on who I haven't met supposedly will take my insurance. Also I spoke with the nurse who is in surgery with the doc. She was very judgemental and as soon as she left the room, I turned to my hubby and said I do not want surgery. I will try again on my on. But I spoke with a woman I met at a support group and she told me of her doc. I also went to his consultation and have an appointment for surgery in Nov. Why have I gone to so many docs and support group and also listen and watch you tube videos of people who have had the surgery and also google about the surgery and the foods you can eat after surgery? So I can learn everything I need to know and make a smart decision for me and one I will be happy with. One of the doctors does not make you lose any weight beforehand. The other doctor and what I have read on line says you need to be on a liquid diet 2 weeks before surgery so your liver will be smaller (so not to cut it during surgery). It seems these 3 diff doctors rarely do the lap band anymore. I originally wanted the lap band thinking that after I lost my weight they could take the band out. One doc said No, you will gain the weight back. Everyone at the support groups all seemed happy with their decision to have the sleeve or gastric bypass. But as a friend pointed out, the unhappy people probably do not go to the support group.
  • 150poundsofme
    150poundsofme Posts: 523 Member
    continued... You need to eat very slow and in such small amounts in your mouth and to eat small quantity. Try it now. I did. It is actually hard to do this, to chew a long time and only put a small amt on your fork/sppon. I guess a habit that will definitely need to be broken. I bought the protein shakes they recommend after you have had surgery (big box stores carry them) - Premiere (lots of protein). I wanted to make sure I like it and guess what? It has been in my frig for weeks and I can't even get myself to drink one. I don't like people to know I am on a diet so if I had the surgery and were to have a meal with people, obviously they would know. Just yesterday I was out to lunch with hubby. I had a small piece of bread with butter. I ate that and then realized that if I had had the surgery, that would be it. I wouldn't have room for anything else. So my hamburger, broccoli and salad would be uneaten. What I did do was have 2 small pieces of bread with butter, at 3/4 of the lg hamburger, no bun and that was it. Took everything else home. I know I haven't been able to maintain the weight after I lose it and every time I lose and then gain back (going back to my compulsive overeating habits), I get on the computer and check out surgery. For me, and maybe that is why I have gone to so may docs, seminars and support groups, maybe I really do not want this surgery. So for now, I have decided not to have it done.
  • 150poundsofme
    150poundsofme Posts: 523 Member
    cont... Actually if I had had the surgery, I would not have been allowed the bread. It's protein first followed by veggies. I have a nutritionist appointment which I will keep. So that may be a good start for you. Also I have been to therapy but really haven't found anyone yet who really knows about food issues. If you can find one, that would be a great start. Do lots of research and I think you will discover if surgery is right for you or not. Hugs
  • Mandy_1982
    Mandy_1982 Posts: 160 Member
    I'm starting my third month of the six month waiting period for surgery (per my insurance). I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life (I'm 34 now) and bariatric surgery is an option that will hopefully help me. It's a major surgery, so it wasn't an easy thing to consider, but I know that the pros outweigh the cons so I'm going for it.

    There is a lot to think about. You may need to find a weight loss surgery seminar to attend, but you'll definitely need to find a doctor to give you a referral to start a program toward surgery. That is your first step. Your doctor should be able to recommend you to a surgeon/clinic that specializes in bariatric surgery/weight loss.

    Good luck!

    Feel free to join the group that was posted previously in one of the comments. There are a ton of good people in that group that have already gone through the surgery and some that are still waiting (like me). We'd love to have you!
  • glennrichard6
    glennrichard6 Posts: 4 Member
    stinsjer000 wrote: »
    So lately I have really been thinking of the option of a Gastric Bypass surgery. I've googled some pros and cons, and I was wondering if you guys could list some as well.

    Please do not be rude to me, I just would really love some helpful feedback on this topic. Also, how could I bring this about my doctor? I fit the criteria, so no need to be rude to me over that. And the reason I also said don't be rude, is because for four momths straight, I have done everything about my weight. I have exercised daily, and cut my calories out majorly. The most I lose is 8 pounds, then I plateau and gain more back. I'm losing all motivation to even live anymore, and to be the size I am, doesn't make this any better.

    Thank you if you have read this, it means a lot!
    stinsjer000 wrote: »
    I really enjoy the replies so far! Thank you guys a lot for actually reading and responding. I know that this isn't a cop out on weightloss, and my aunt had gotten this surgery, so I guess I have seen some insight in on it. I wouldn't be using this as an easier gateway through losing weight. I am truly ready to dedicate my life to what I need to do to be a healthier person. I'm tired of feeling the way I feel and I feel like I just can't do it the way I'm trying! :/

    Thanks again, much love!

  • glennrichard6
    glennrichard6 Posts: 4 Member
    I had by pass surgery 16 years ago. I lost around 100 lbs and kelp it off for many years. I have gained back about 40 of the pounds. So I am still 60 lbs lighter, and if I had not have had the surgery, I know I would have continued to gain. So I am glad that I had the surgery.
    But one thing you need to know is that it is hard to get the right vitamines after the surgery. I now take a lot of them to keep from having body cramps all over my body. For example; fingers, hands, ribs, legs, feet, etc. I have gone to all kinds if doctors who have not helped at all. Do to my owned research I have found some things that seem to help. I also have problems with brittle nails. So, just know that their could be problems with getting the right nutrients after bypass surgery. That why the sleeve may be a better option.
  • fireytiger
    fireytiger Posts: 236 Member
    edited August 2016
    I had a couple of coworkers who went under the knife to help with their weight loss. One had gastric bypass and was very successful, while the other had lap band and was not. Really what it boiled down to was their willingness to stick with what they had to do, and take care of their gastric systems post-surgery. Both said in many ways they regretted making the choice to do surgery and probably wouldn't again if they could go back. The gastric bypass girl had a lot of success though, she lost 100 pounds. The tradeoff for her is now hating how she has to eat and taking a bunch of vitamins which she hates even more. So take that as you will.

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