To get the sleeve surgery or not?
LisaM242
Posts: 8 Member
I am scheduled to have it in February. I need to lose a minimum of 100 pounds. I am 56 years old 5 feet tall and weigh 242 lbs. Since I started my pre surgery weight loss program I have lost 22 pounds in 60 days. For the first time in my life I'm actually eating correct and excercising every day. I think I can do this myself possibly. I would really like to hear some honest feedback on the good and bad about the surgery.
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Replies
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Sounds like you are doing great! Keep doing what you are doing. My guess is by February you will be able to keep it going without surgery. Nothing wrong with having the procedure, but as long as you are doing so well, you may decide you can do reach your goals without surgery.
Nice job so far!8 -
Thank you1
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I don't know anything about the surgery, but Hurray for you, losing 22 pounds in 60 days!!3
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If you continue losing, and I don't know why you wouldn't, I don't think you should even consider the surgery. Just make sure the changes you make are sustainable, and keep in mind that statistics show that people who lose their weight more gradually are far more likely to keep it off.
Your losses will slow down, but if you maintain a deficit, you will continue to lose weight.5 -
You're a success story already.
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I am scheduled to have it in February. I need to lose a minimum of 100 pounds. I am 56 years old 5 feet tall and weigh 242 lbs. Since I started my pre surgery weight loss program I have lost 22 pounds in 60 days. For the first time in my life I'm actually eating correct and excercising every day. I think I can do this myself possibly. I would really like to hear some honest feedback on the good and bad about the surgery.
i'd say you are doing great already without the surgery. my mom got the gastric band a while ago. i think this is the same thing? she had problems with it, she threw up almost everything she ate except for things like cake and eventually had some esophagus disturbance with it and had to have it removed. i wouldn't suggest it personally unless your weight loss stalls and you give up on trying to do it yourself.1 -
Hi Lisa, lovely to read that you're on your way to better health. IMO surgery is a life changing option for people who are facing other issues with their health such as diabetes or inability to exercise. Surgery has potential complications though, and they're not minor complications either from what I've heard. In my immediate experience, I have a scrapbooking friend who had surgery (banding) and didn't have any issues from the surgery. The procedure was the scariest experience in her life so not to make light of it. She lost a lot of weight but still has a long way to go. She listened to her doctor though and went ahead with it despite her fears.3
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Congratulations on your weight loss. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2007 and lost 130 pounds. It changed my life and I wouldn't change a thing. I had zero complication, but, true to form, 95% of people gain back from 20-40% of the weight lost after 10 years. I've regained 40 pounds and that's why I'm here. The reality is, many of us who've had lifelong food issues and weight issues, find ways to "eat around" our smaller stomach. I am not 320# anymore, but keeping this weight off is not easy. I say, continue your weight loss the way you're doing it. Recognize that you have to find a lifelong way of eating-- you cannot be "dieting" because you will regain every once, and usually many more pounds, once you end the diet. I say keep the option of the gastric sleeve on the back burner.
I lost 15# in the two weeks before surgery-- they put me on a liquid diet to shrink my liver for surgery--that's a pretty routine thing they do. I considered not having the surgery too, but I realized that I love food and I eat way too damn much; I needed something to physically stop me while I learned how to eat appropriately. I absolutely needed the surgery to physically stop me from overeating. I get nauseated when I overeat. I eat small meals throughout the day: Like I said, most post-op surgical patients learn how to "eat around" their surgery. It's something to think about. If you've been gaining and losing the same 50 pounds like I had: the surgery is absolutely what I needed, and what you may need. If you have other conditions like diabetes, HTN, or other conditions that really stress the body, I would absolutely recommend having the surgery: the tool works. I still am in contact with many people from the MD who did my surgery. We're all out 10 years or more and all of us are working really hard to not regain our weight. All of them have regained at least 25 pounds. For those who lost hundreds of pounds--25 is really ok! You have to trust your gut. Do you think you can continue the way of eating you're enjoying now? Is this something that you can do for the rest of your life? Do you feel like you need a tool to help you? Truly think about your eating habits: have you got dietary support to keep you on track? I wish you well and if you have any questions or want to talk, I'm always here!
JessicaI am scheduled to have it in February. I need to lose a minimum of 100 pounds. I am 56 years old 5 feet tall and weigh 242 lbs. Since I started my pre surgery weight loss program I have lost 22 pounds in 60 days. For the first time in my life I'm actually eating correct and excercising every day. I think I can do this myself possibly. I would really like to hear some honest feedback on the good and bad about the surgery.
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If you keep losing as you have been (hopefully!) maybe they would advise that you not have the surgery in February. Hypothetically would lose 60 lbs. by then. Even if you lose 50, that means only 50 left to go, and do they perform the surgery on people with only 50 lbs. to lose??1
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Thank you everyone. I appreciate the feedback. I am just going to continue to do what I have been doing, as it is working for me. I am going to keep the surgery on the table but if all goes well I won't have it in February.9
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After having a few friends have the surgery, I considered it for myself, and did a bit of research. Even with the surgery, behavioral counseling and a lifetime of keeping track of calories would still be needed to keep the weight off. I figured I could do those two things on my own, and I have. I was hesitant to commit to being limited to only tiny quantities of food at a time, and know that this is exactly why some of the post surgery folks I know have ended up failing.
So I started counting calories here in July 2016, and moderating what I eat, but still having mostly what I want. It's been slow, but I've crossed the 50# threshold, with about 30 more to go.7 -
Hi. I had Gastric Bypass June 1st and have lost 65 pounds so far. I have MS and Diabetes. I was at the limit for all my diabetes pils and insulin!
I tried for a few years to get back to healthy eating habits and it took a total of 4.5 years of soul searching and talking with all my health care professionals and family before I had the surgery. Between the two diseases I think within 2 years I would not be working and my kids are 14 and 16. For me the Bypass was a last resort. You have to have the proper mind set going into this surgery in the respect that you will only be able to eat 1 CUP of food! Yes and that is after a few months. You CANNOT go into this thinking you will lose the weight and keep it off with the same eating habits. Don't do the surgery if you are not going to do everything they say.
So I was on 2 pills and 2 insulins for diabetes, 2 blood pressure medications, cholesterol and of course Avonex for my MS. I have lost the 65 pounds so far and was off all diabetes medication but back on one pill and o am off one of the blood pressure medications. I am very pleased and the diabetes insulins are so evil. I am so much more active and a lot easier to move and can do little things like tie my shoes without issues! I could not be this much better if I did not have the surgery.
After 4 months I think my bowels are finally getting back to normal and my mind set is changed because I simply can't eat much unless I want complications. Educate yourself and be very very prepared for a life altering experience. I can't eat sweets anymore because I had the dumping once....won't happen again. I have thrown up 3 times but through thinking about things and coming up with various ways on how to handle different situations this has been an incredible transformation for me. I am 6ft tall and weighed 321 and now I am 254 with at least another 40 pounds to go. Really the only issue has been my bowels but that is improved but I DID follow everything they have asked me to do....or I am only hurting myself after having major surgery. Can't really eat steak and pork chops but that is okay. They are just to hard to digest.
So if I was you make sure this is 100 percent what you want and have your eyes wide open and be prepared to eat only a cup of food. You will know when to stop eating because it will hurt. This surgery has forced me to change my mind set. With whatever you do I wish you the best of luck and if you ever want to chat please do send me a message. Please be in the right mind set before surgery. I hope this helps. I kinda went on.5 -
Eating just a cup of food for a meal would be a deterrant for me for sure! I've never considered this surgery, and I still have 78 pounds to go, but after that description it really needs to be a last resort. I hope everything goes well for you daveyboy with your health. I can understand why you did it because of the MS and diabetes. Thank you for writing your experience.
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I wouldn't go down that road. There are people on MFP who had to lose a lot more and still managed without surgery. For some it is necessary, for others it isn't. I have to lose a total of 94lbs - not for one second would I consider surgery due to the potential complications during and afterwards. I've lost 34lbs so far and what I can tell you is that it is a complete lifestyle change. You won't successfully keep the weight off if you don't change your habits FOREVER. This diet isn't a temporary thing that will melt the weight away so that you can go back to old habits - it's about finding moderation in what and how much you eat. If you don't find that balance then weight loss will not be permanent.
I wish you all the best and hope you find a healthy balance with food so that you don't have to resort to surgery which will restrict your choices and social events. You CAN lose this weight on your own if you use the right tools and the right mindset. Focus on long term goals - such as a healthy life.2 -
I have several family members who have had sleeve and would do it again in a heartbeat. All of them lost weight but most are still heavy and struggle with their weight because diet and exercise is still key with or without the surgery.
The post surgery diet is pretty draconian.
I went in for the consults and second opinions and once I started doing the recommended pre-surgery diet. (Needs to be done for 4 months before insurance will cover the procedure) I finally started losing weight with that particular diet and now feel that I can do it without the surgery. My cousin also decided to eschew the sleeve and has lost 100lbs although she still has a lot more to lose.
The plus with the sleeve is it eliminates stomach hunger and it makes it possible to get full with smaller portions
The minus is that it does nothing for head/emotional hunger and high-calorie easy to digest food like ice cream can cause you to gain weight post-surgery. Other minuses including not being able to take ibuprofen, heartburn, reflux and gastric pain. I already have alot of gastric issues and decided cutting my stomach was not a good idea.
Either way you have to follow the diet and watch portion control for a lifetime in order to lose the weight and keep it off.
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I think you're doing a fantastic job so far. Like you said, maybe keep the surgery on the table for a couple more months while you see how you're doing. In the meantime, keep up the calorie counting and see what progress you make. I don't think 100 lbs is so much weight to have to lose that I'd resort to surgery. Maybe 300+ to lose seems more like surgery level to me. Now, I don't think 100 lbs will be in any way quick or easy, but it is absolutely doable and probably won't take much longer than 1-2 years.
I, myself, would not have surgery. That's not because I think it's an easy way out...if there were an easy way, I'd do it in a heartbeat. It's because I've been close to 6 people who have had weight loss surgery. Five of them have regained close to all of their weight. One never lost much weight in the first place. The one who hasn't regained goes to Weight Watchers weekly and exercises daily while following a very strict eating plan. She still has a lot of difficulties from her surgery and is often incapacitated. I can't help thinking if she'd started following WW and working with her trainer before the surgery, she'd be in the same place she is now without the misery of dumping.
Three of them became alcoholics. Two of those are recovering. I guess the surgery changes something about the way your body metabolizes alcohol...I'm not sure of the details, just that their weight loss surgery was a major contributor to the alcoholism.
All of them really seem to suffer from the lifestyle effects of the surgery. I just wouldn't want to subject myself to something like that.
On the other hand, I've read a lot of online posts from people who are very happy they had surgery, I just haven't met any of them in person.1 -
Thanks for the feedback it really helps0
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I think you are making the right decision to try to make a lifestyle change on your own while keeping the surgery in your back pocket. You know yourself. You know if you can stick with it or not. It honestly sounds like you are doing great. If you don't have any life threatening illnesses, you have some time to make a decision.
My husband had gastric bypass done about 10 years ago. He was unwilling to exercise or drastically change his eating habits and had life threatening sleep apnea. It was the right decision for him and he lost 100lbs curing his medical issues. However, he is still obese. He knows how to get around it. He eats WAY more than he should and throws up at almost every meal. It has prevented him from regaining drastic amounts, but it does nothing to address the psychological issues and habits causing the weight gain in the first place as others have stated.
Don't be ashamed no matter what you decide. It's your life and your health. You have to do what you think will be best for you.1 -
I was in your shoes about a year ago. I was considering getting the sleeve, saw a surgeon, was sent to a therapist and a nutritionist, and went to meetings for post surgery patients.
The thing that helped me most was the low carb diet the nutritionist recommended. I'd never tried low carb before, and was astonished by what it did for my mindset. My cravings vanished and eating a proper amount of protein and fat kept me from wanting to binge all the time as I use to do. It was like the magic diet pill I'd always wished for.
Somewhere along the way, I realized that I would always find it a challenge to consistently eat properly, and the surgery would not change that for me. The surgery would complicate my life more than it would help me. I would have to give up a cup of coffee with breakfast. I would have to carry a water bottle around with me forever. Every hour, every day forever. NO.
It's funny what things scare us the most! Giving up sugar and white flour? Hard but do-able. Carrying around a water bottle? Just NO!
I've lost 70 pounds and will lose the next 40 by Christmas 2018! I'm sticking with my low carb program and I'm determined to never give up hope that I can heal from my disordered past. When doubts come, I push them away, breathe deeply and say "All will be well."
I have a deep respect for those who have gone through the surgery. They are warriors! I hope you will get some clarity on what is right for you. Take all the time you need. The doctor will most likely postpone a few months if you need. The approval for surgery is based on your starting weight.1 -
I am currently training someone who had it. She comes in smelling of alcohol each time. After our 3rd session, I asked her if she had been drinking the night before. She shamefully admitted that she drinks constantly now ever since the surgery because she can't eat.I am scheduled to have it in February. I need to lose a minimum of 100 pounds. I am 56 years old 5 feet tall and weigh 242 lbs. Since I started my pre surgery weight loss program I have lost 22 pounds in 60 days. For the first time in my life I'm actually eating correct and excercising every day. I think I can do this myself possibly. I would really like to hear some honest feedback on the good and bad about the surgery.
I've referred her to a therapist to help address the issue on transference of over eating to over drinking.
My concern isn't that she's training possibly while intoxicated. It's driving to the gym that way.
Be sure that you're mentally ready to for this because you CANNOT go back. You'll NOT be able to eat foods you like and that may lead you to another habit instead.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Is it clinically indicated?
Is it accessible and financially available to you?
Are you comfortable with the risk vs benefit or the surgery?
Is your relationship with food such that you can accept not eating as much?0 -
I am currently training someone who had it. She comes in smelling of alcohol each time. After our 3rd session, I asked her if she had been drinking the night before. She shamefully admitted that she drinks constantly now ever since the surgery because she can't eat.I am scheduled to have it in February. I need to lose a minimum of 100 pounds. I am 56 years old 5 feet tall and weigh 242 lbs. Since I started my pre surgery weight loss program I have lost 22 pounds in 60 days. For the first time in my life I'm actually eating correct and excercising every day. I think I can do this myself possibly. I would really like to hear some honest feedback on the good and bad about the surgery.
I've referred her to a therapist to help address the issue on transference of over eating to over drinking.
My concern isn't that she's training possibly while intoxicated. It's driving to the gym that way.
Be sure that you're mentally ready to for this because you CANNOT go back. You'll NOT be able to eat foods you like and that may lead you to another habit instead.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
This is actually very common in people who simply substitute one coping mechanism for another.
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