Gastric Bypass?

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

It's not a quick fix.

And it's entirely possible you'll have to lose weight on your own first. Regardless of how you reach your weight-loss goal, you need to develop the habits to maintain it or you can eat your way back to where you are now. I have several work friends working on their second surgery. No change in how the approach food and nutrition.

Research the best option for you. Work with the doctors and be honest about your thoughts and feelings around eating and food.

Whatever approach you take, do it with eyes wide open and your long-term best interests in mind. You'll make the right decision, just have faith in yourself.

I went to all the classes. I met with the psychiatrist and nutritionist. I did the six month waiting period. At the last minute, I cancelled my appointment for the gastric sleeve. Why? Because after seeing what my dad went through, (he was very sick and had to spend time in rehab) and after talking to my doctor, I am not sure it is right for me. She told me many of the people she sees stretch out their sleeve and gain in back and that is dangerous. The appetite is only suppressed for awhile, then it comes back. I drink a lot while I eat. You can't have anything to drink 1/2 hour before or after eating. You have to chew your food down to liquid practically, eat in a particular order (somebody else posted the sequence so I won't repeat) I have a referral to a medical weight loss doc. I hope that works. I'm glad you brought this topic up.

Bypass two years ago. I got my mobility back and off all prescription meds (T2 Diabetes and high blood pressure). I now habitually run, something I could not even imagine before.

I followed my team's directions religiously and perhaps because of that I had few negative side effects. I did not suffer hair loss for instance.

I am on vitamin supplements for life.

I still don't drink at meals so to stay hydrated I have some water at my side pretty well any time I am not eating.

I have a little one inch scar on my abdomen, and my surplus belly skin makes an interesting apron.

Those are my pros and cons.