Weight loss surgery, yes or no?
chrissjourney
Posts: 121 Member
What was your experience like? Positive....negative??
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Replies
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My mom's going through a program for WLS, it's definitely not an easy fix nor does everyone qualify for it. It's a tool though, not a miracle, you'll still have to learn how to properly eat so that you don't just regain all your weight. You can learn to eat around the effects of WLS and the people who gain all their weight back did so because they didn't take the time during the year or two after WLS to learn proper eating habits.6
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If you have a proper programme in your local area you first need to show proof that you are able to lose weight and maintain it, hence eat properly. If you're able to do that, then why have surgery in the first place? If you can't then surgery won't really help.11
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it was both positive and negative. You got to change your habits around food. The stuff you need like protein in the form of meat is hard to get down. Stuff like cookies, crackers, popcorn and the like go down easy. Be careful of grazing. That was my problem. You will still have issues around food. Sometimes you just wish you could eat a small hamburger without being sick or wish you could eat and drink at the same time without being sick. I haven't touched steak since the surgery. I haven't had a full cheeseburger since the surgery. Any bad habits you go in with will still be there when you get out. Your thoughts around food will still be there also. I attended all the preop support groups, had therapy, researched, even attended post op support groups but found the support in those severely lacking. Most of it in the post op support groups had to be positive to not discourage the preops. (ours consisted of preops and postops) It was kind of an unwritten message that you got. I felt i did everything right and still managed to regain it all back over the years with reinforcements to my highest ever weight of 317 pounds. I never was a big loser with the surgery. I started at 292 pounds. I only lost 70 pounds. I lost back down to 220 with the help of a nutritionist after regaining the surgery weight and reinforcements. Over the years I have floundered between 260 and 275 pounds. I restarted this journey in January weighing 275 pounds. One of the biggest benefits of having the surgery for me was being able to get my knees replaced. I was in so much pain. I haven't been in pain since and the replacements are going on 15 and 17 years.
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I got a whole new lease on life and I got my mobility back. This is a big decision so it has to be all yours.
As far as the surgery risk goes, it’s about the same as gall bladder surgery.8 -
Thanks all. I have some friends that have gone through it and it's been mixed on the good and bad. I have never really considered it much. On a visit with a new doctor (about something else) she mentioned to me that she had a really good referral to a weight loss surgeon and I should consider it. While I do consider myself to be in the big girl category, I must say I was a bit offended at first because no doctor has ever mentioned such to me. Of course overeating has gotten me here but along with that I have pcos and I can basically look at food and gain weight. Now that I'm getting older (did I say that out loud haha?) my arthritic knees are killing me and I'm wondering if the positives of surgery would outweigh the negative. I do want to live my best life but I also don't want to be sick every time I eat something. Thanks for the feedback!0
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chrissjourney wrote: »Thanks all. I have some friends that have gone through it and it's been mixed on the good and bad. I have never really considered it much. On a visit with a new doctor (about something else) she mentioned to me that she had a really good referral to a weight loss surgeon and I should consider it. While I do consider myself to be in the big girl category, I must say I was a bit offended at first because no doctor has ever mentioned such to me. Of course overeating has gotten me here but along with that I have pcos and I can basically look at food and gain weight. Now that I'm getting older (did I say that out loud haha?) my arthritic knees are killing me and I'm wondering if the positives of surgery would outweigh the negative. I do want to live my best life but I also don't want to be sick every time I eat something. Thanks for the feedback!
This might be an overreaction, but for a brand new doctor -- with no real knowledge of your history -- to tell you out of the blue that she had a "really good referral to a weight loss surgeon" would raise a red flag for me.11 -
I understand for some people this is their last hope. I could never do it. I am too much of a chicken. I think it takes a brave person to do weight loss surgery. I don't see it as the easy way at all. I think losing it naturally by counting calories and restricting your food intake is the easier though slower way6
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chrissjourney wrote: »Thanks all. I have some friends that have gone through it and it's been mixed on the good and bad. I have never really considered it much. On a visit with a new doctor (about something else) she mentioned to me that she had a really good referral to a weight loss surgeon and I should consider it. While I do consider myself to be in the big girl category, I must say I was a bit offended at first because no doctor has ever mentioned such to me. Of course overeating has gotten me here but along with that I have pcos and I can basically look at food and gain weight. Now that I'm getting older (did I say that out loud haha?) my arthritic knees are killing me and I'm wondering if the positives of surgery would outweigh the negative. I do want to live my best life but I also don't want to be sick every time I eat something. Thanks for the feedback!
This might be an overreaction, but for a brand new doctor -- with no real knowledge of your history -- to tell you out of the blue that she had a "really good referral to a weight loss surgeon" would raise a red flag for me.
I did find it odd as well, considering I was seeing the new doctor for a breast lump and no real connection to that conversation. I do, however, still have her sticky note with the docs info hanging on my fridge and I think hmm should I consult lol. I probably won't though.3 -
chrissjourney wrote: »chrissjourney wrote: »Thanks all. I have some friends that have gone through it and it's been mixed on the good and bad. I have never really considered it much. On a visit with a new doctor (about something else) she mentioned to me that she had a really good referral to a weight loss surgeon and I should consider it. While I do consider myself to be in the big girl category, I must say I was a bit offended at first because no doctor has ever mentioned such to me. Of course overeating has gotten me here but along with that I have pcos and I can basically look at food and gain weight. Now that I'm getting older (did I say that out loud haha?) my arthritic knees are killing me and I'm wondering if the positives of surgery would outweigh the negative. I do want to live my best life but I also don't want to be sick every time I eat something. Thanks for the feedback!
This might be an overreaction, but for a brand new doctor -- with no real knowledge of your history -- to tell you out of the blue that she had a "really good referral to a weight loss surgeon" would raise a red flag for me.
I did find it odd as well, considering I was seeing the new doctor for a breast lump and no real connection to that conversation. I do, however, still have her sticky note with the docs info hanging on my fridge and I think hmm should I consult lol. I probably won't though.
Based on your photo - there is no way you should consider WLS and shame on that doctor. Read the cautionary tale above and I think that will make it clear. I have a cousin with the same experience- she’s heavier than before surgery and her health has deteriorated.
Set up your MFP profile to lose 1 lb a week and go! I started at 267 and am closing in on 100 lbs lost. I’m stronger and healthier than ever and I’m almost 60! You’ve got this! And find another doctor!14 -
chrissjourney wrote: »chrissjourney wrote: »Thanks all. I have some friends that have gone through it and it's been mixed on the good and bad. I have never really considered it much. On a visit with a new doctor (about something else) she mentioned to me that she had a really good referral to a weight loss surgeon and I should consider it. While I do consider myself to be in the big girl category, I must say I was a bit offended at first because no doctor has ever mentioned such to me. Of course overeating has gotten me here but along with that I have pcos and I can basically look at food and gain weight. Now that I'm getting older (did I say that out loud haha?) my arthritic knees are killing me and I'm wondering if the positives of surgery would outweigh the negative. I do want to live my best life but I also don't want to be sick every time I eat something. Thanks for the feedback!
This might be an overreaction, but for a brand new doctor -- with no real knowledge of your history -- to tell you out of the blue that she had a "really good referral to a weight loss surgeon" would raise a red flag for me.
I did find it odd as well, considering I was seeing the new doctor for a breast lump and no real connection to that conversation. I do, however, still have her sticky note with the docs info hanging on my fridge and I think hmm should I consult lol. I probably won't though.
Based on your photo - there is no way you should consider WLS and shame on that doctor. Read the cautionary tale above and I think that will make it clear. I have a cousin with the same experience- she’s heavier than before surgery and her health has deteriorated.
Set up your MFP profile to lose 1 lb a week and go! I started at 267 and am closing in on 100 lbs lost. I’m stronger and healthier than ever and I’m almost 60! You’ve got this! And find another doctor!
Thank you! And congrats on that 100lb loss! Awesome job!2 -
a friend had it done, now she has digestion issues and is right back at her pre-op weight. If you don't change your eating habits, then no surgery will help.5
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It is not true. There are many more risks associated with gastric bypass than gallbladder surgery. I know. I had both. My brother ended up with a ruptured pouch ended up 3 months in the hospital. I ended up 10 days in with collapsed lungs. My teeth have been fixed due to all the vomiting. I developed a hiatal hernia and a esophageal hernia where I was having what felt like heart problems. I also developed chronic ulcers and barretts esophagus. Just some of the complications caused by the surgery. I have a friend who managed to keep the weight off but developed bleeding ulcers many times over. She also has been hospitalized a few times for dehydration and malnutrition. I am not discouraging you from getting it but I want you to know the truth. It is not a cakewalk. It is not the easy way out. You still are going to have food issues. You might end up with problems you never had before like I did. I don't know. I have mixed feelings about having it.9
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Two of my sisters had it done; one died a year later from complications and the other has gained back about 1/2 the weight she lost but she would do it again she said. Research your physicians and plan to make dietary changes for life. Both could not like they had before. Good luck!6
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Two of my sisters had it done; one died a year later from complications and the other has gained back about 1/2 the weight she lost but she would do it again she said. Research your physicians and plan to make dietary changes for life. Both could not like they had before. Good luck!
Nothing to add just that I am so sorry for your loss.0 -
It is not true. There are many more risks associated with gastric bypass than gallbladder surgery. I know. I had both. My brother ended up with a ruptured pouch ended up 3 months in the hospital. I ended up 10 days in with collapsed lungs. My teeth have been fixed due to all the vomiting. I developed a hiatal hernia and a esophageal hernia where I was having what felt like heart problems. I also developed chronic ulcers and barretts esophagus. Just some of the complications caused by the surgery. I have a friend who managed to keep the weight off but developed bleeding ulcers many times over. She also has been hospitalized a few times for dehydration and malnutrition. I am not discouraging you from getting it but I want you to know the truth. It is not a cakewalk. It is not the easy way out. You still are going to have food issues. You might end up with problems you never had before like I did. I don't know. I have mixed feelings about having it.
My gosh! Seriously more problems than I would ever bargain for! Thanks for sharing.0 -
Two of my sisters had it done; one died a year later from complications and the other has gained back about 1/2 the weight she lost but she would do it again she said. Research your physicians and plan to make dietary changes for life. Both could not like they had before. Good luck!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have a younger child and don't see it's worth the risk. Thanks.1 -
chrissjourney wrote: »What was your experience like? Positive....negative??
I am looking into surgery. I would like to get the sleeve. I am in the preop process now. I have lost some weight on my own but still have a long way to go and hope the surgery will help with that. It seems like 90 percent of people are glad they had it done.1 -
chrissjourney wrote: »chrissjourney wrote: »Thanks all. I have some friends that have gone through it and it's been mixed on the good and bad. I have never really considered it much. On a visit with a new doctor (about something else) she mentioned to me that she had a really good referral to a weight loss surgeon and I should consider it. While I do consider myself to be in the big girl category, I must say I was a bit offended at first because no doctor has ever mentioned such to me. Of course overeating has gotten me here but along with that I have pcos and I can basically look at food and gain weight. Now that I'm getting older (did I say that out loud haha?) my arthritic knees are killing me and I'm wondering if the positives of surgery would outweigh the negative. I do want to live my best life but I also don't want to be sick every time I eat something. Thanks for the feedback!
This might be an overreaction, but for a brand new doctor -- with no real knowledge of your history -- to tell you out of the blue that she had a "really good referral to a weight loss surgeon" would raise a red flag for me.
I did find it odd as well, considering I was seeing the new doctor for a breast lump and no real connection to that conversation. I do, however, still have her sticky note with the docs info hanging on my fridge and I think hmm should I consult lol. I probably won't though.
Just for context and not a recommendation: I have spoken to some WL surgeons at our hospital. They sincerely believe in the effectiveness of their intervention, and they have lots of research that makes it sound pretty good (of course, like most surgical outcome research, the evaluation period is very short so it greatly overstates the benefits IMO).
My point is that it would not be surprising that a family doc would be confortable with their language and approach and might find these presentations convincing - enough to be more proactive about recommending the procedure.
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I have one relative who had the bariatric surgery. From her mfp photo, it appears to have failed. That is, she seems to have regained any weight she might have lost due to the surgery.
It's an attractive spend if you have the money. Spend the money to be slim. Ahhh. But, no. You have to eat properly to be slim. You have to move deliberately to be fit. You don't have enough insurance, wealth, gold, or influence to buy that.2 -
JeromeBarry1 wrote: »I have one relative who had the bariatric surgery. From her mfp photo, it appears to have failed. That is, she seems to have regained any weight she might have lost due to the surgery.
It's an attractive spend if you have the money. Spend the money to be slim. Ahhh. But, no. You have to eat properly to be slim. You have to move deliberately to be fit. You don't have enough insurance, wealth, gold, or influence to buy that.
The surgery works, but only to a point. Most people fail when they don't learn how to pick up the slack when the surgery's effectiveness is over.2 -
I've known several people over the years who underwent the surgery, but ended up gaining back the weight(or much of it)because of going right back to old eating habits. One friend had it done about 2 years ago and while she lost over half of herself, she has had persistent problems with dehydration and malnutrition, even losing quite a bit of hair.
Once you have the surgery, it's a constant battle to eat right and get the right nutrition-without stretching your stomach back out and undoing the process.3 -
OP I have not had the surgery, so I have no personal story to share. But, I have several family members that have. All but one have not had success. They used it has a sort of quick fix. They didn't learn any of the proper habits to sustain the weight loss and they gained it all back pretty quickly.
Based on your photo I am surprised it was suggested for you! I would get another opinion for sure. If you have not already tried logging here, maybe give this site a go for a bit first and see how you do? Either way, best of luck!3 -
chrissjourney wrote: »Thanks all. I have some friends that have gone through it and it's been mixed on the good and bad. I have never really considered it much. On a visit with a new doctor (about something else) she mentioned to me that she had a really good referral to a weight loss surgeon and I should consider it. While I do consider myself to be in the big girl category, I must say I was a bit offended at first because no doctor has ever mentioned such to me. Of course overeating has gotten me here but along with that I have pcos and I can basically look at food and gain weight. Now that I'm getting older (did I say that out loud haha?) my arthritic knees are killing me and I'm wondering if the positives of surgery would outweigh the negative. I do want to live my best life but I also don't want to be sick every time I eat something. Thanks for the feedback!
I'm 51 and have cranky knees, but losing a little weight and doing knee strengthening exercises regularly has done wonders for them. I also wear knee friendly shoes almost all the time.
There are lots of women here with PCOS. Many have found it helpful to reduce carbs or eat low carb, but this is not universally true.2 -
chrissjourney wrote: »What was your experience like? Positive....negative??
My mother had it done. Unfortunately since then, she has gained everything back. At least in her case, it was not the quick fix she thought it would be, and failing to change her eating habits got her right back int he same place.
For me personally, I would only consider it if I were morbidly obese, >350 lbs, where the weight needed to come of very quickly due to dire health related issues.
I have seen many on this site drop 100 lbs within a year or two, so it can be done without surgery.3 -
I had gastric bypass about 11 years ago. I initially lost 130#. As with 95% of people who have any weight loss surgery, the weight began to creep back up the more I learned to eat around the limitation of the smaller stomach. We overeaters are halted by the size of our stomach and the immediate regret that came with overeating: that was a plus, because the longer you ate less, the more you learned to eat less. But-- about year #7 I learned how to snack: a lot. So I was getting a ton of calories in, just a little at a time. I regained 50#: then I decided no more. I didn't want to be a statistic that regained all her lost weight. So I went ketogenic. I can't eat sugar: it sends me into a spiral of craving and overeating. So on keto since November, I've lost 25#. I'm never hungry because I'm fat adapted, meaning my body uses fat as my primary energy source instead of carbohydrates. I don't have blood sugar drops, so my appetite is in control at all times. This works for me. I don't eat the large amounts of fat that some do on the ketogenic diet, but I do eat a decent enough amount to keep me full. This diet works for me. Once I get to my goal weight in another about 25 pounds, I will go to maintenance and increase my vegetable and fruit consumption. I will only occasionally indulge in higher carbohydrate foods, because I've learned that they are my downfall. I do enjoy the foods I eat because my diet is meat and vegetable based: many people assume it's just a ton of fat and bacon. The surgery saved my life and I had zero complications-- besides the normal vitamin absorption issues that I've been able to control with daily vitamins. Everyone reacts differently to the surgery. My brother in law had so many complications from his surgery that he is now underweight and still having absorption issues. I had my surgery in Mexico: paid cash out of pocket, and it was the best thing I ever did. I guess it's the luck of the draw: some of us do well, some don't. It's a risk like everything else. But the bottom line is, unless you learn to eat healthy foods in moderate, healthy amounts, you will regain. It's that simple.5
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I got a whole new lease on life and I got my mobility back. This is a big decision so it has to be all yours.
As far as the surgery risk goes, it’s about the same as gall bladder surgery.
This. I made the choice to have surgery along with my physician, my therapist, and my surgeon. I did not jump into it and I knew it was not a quick fix. Yes you do have to make the same changes as you would without surgery, meaning you have to do the work, and if you aren't mentally prepared, it might not be a great option because you can gain weight back. I was pushing 400 pounds and chose surgery as a tool to get me get out of danger faster. I had no complications and I am healthier than ever. Surgery helped me improve my quality of life like you wouldn't believe. Remember that surgery has to be looked at like a tool to use with other things to help you reach your goal. Like any other tool, it has to be used and maintained properly to work right and give you optimum results.
ETA - I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy, not gastric bypass.3 -
I definitely get that it can be a wonderful "last resort" for some. I know people who were pushing 300-400 pounds and the positive it has made in their life is outstanding. I am not close to that weight but when the doc mentioned it to me I must say it made me think. Thanks all for your input... much appreciated!1
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I am scheduled to have Roux en Y gastric bypass surgery on March 2nd! In 14 more days. The clinic I am going through has been so thorough and amazing. Nothing but positive feedback from everyone who has went through this clinic. I have been yoyo dieting for years and just was at an all time low. One of my FOUR therapists mentioned it to me and wondered if it would be something I would be interested in as she used to work at a bariatric clinic before she switched over to the canadian mental health association. I had no idea it was even covered here in Canada or I would have looked into it over 20 years ago. The amount of support and information you obtain through the program alone has already changed my life immensely. Since my referral I have lost 46lbs already. The total process has only been 4 months (some people wait up to 2 YEARS to get approved...so yea, I WAS READY lol)! I have no regrets and I know with this tool I WILL succeed. I KNOW how to lose weight... I have done it numerous times. It's keeping it OFF that is the issue. With this tool I know there are going to be foods I just CAN NOT eat or it will make me seriously ill. It will actually give me a feeling of fullness, which I have never experienced before. Just so many positive things to help me actually succeed, I had to try. Our clinic even has a facebook group so everyone keeps everyone on track and motivated. Not to mention, meeting some of these people at the clinic and sharing this journey with them, has built some really strong friendships that I think is going to last us a lifetime. I would rather take my chances dying on the surgery table then going through life staying the way I am. Cause I was dying anyways. I finally have HOPE. Anyways, it's just my opinion anyways. I know alot of people are against it...and I completely understand. You gotta do what is right for YOU
And this is right for ME! 0 -
I am scheduled to have Roux en Y gastric bypass surgery on March 2nd! In 14 more days. The clinic I am going through has been so thorough and amazing. Nothing but positive feedback from everyone who has went through this clinic. I have been yoyo dieting for years and just was at an all time low. One of my FOUR therapists mentioned it to me and wondered if it would be something I would be interested in as she used to work at a bariatric clinic before she switched over to the canadian mental health association. I had no idea it was even covered here in Canada or I would have looked into it over 20 years ago. The amount of support and information you obtain through the program alone has already changed my life immensely. Since my referral I have lost 46lbs already. The total process has only been 4 months (some people wait up to 2 YEARS to get approved...so yea, I WAS READY lol)! I have no regrets and I know with this tool I WILL succeed. I KNOW how to lose weight... I have done it numerous times. It's keeping it OFF that is the issue. With this tool I know there are going to be foods I just CAN NOT eat or it will make me seriously ill. It will actually give me a feeling of fullness, which I have never experienced before. Just so many positive things to help me actually succeed, I had to try. Our clinic even has a facebook group so everyone keeps everyone on track and motivated. Not to mention, meeting some of these people at the clinic and sharing this journey with them, has built some really strong friendships that I think is going to last us a lifetime. I would rather take my chances dying on the surgery table then going through life staying the way I am. Cause I was dying anyways. I finally have HOPE. Anyways, it's just my opinion anyways. I know alot of people are against it...and I completely understand. You gotta do what is right for YOU And this is right for ME!
Congrats on the weight loss so far, that's amazing! Good luck on your upcoming surgery. I hope you find the best you!0 -
I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy in 2012. I lost a lot & then regained some (not all) & then re-lost it. I've lost a total of around 150 lbs. I would definitely do it again. It was life changing for me. It is not easy & you still have the same eating issues you started out with. It's the same as any weight loss method. You have to sustain it for the rest of your life & that's hard. I know I may slip & regain. I'm not perfect & hopefully my life will be long . If I do, I have a permanent tool to use. It's not for everyone, but nothing suits everyone. 1
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