Bariatric Surgery

[RachelsMommie]

I usually hang out on the Budget and Dining boards, but I'm considering getting the gastric sleeve (where they remove 70% of your stomach). Has anyone here had it done? Or had another bariatric surgery done? What was your experience with it?

Totally unrelated to this board, but this board always has a fun potpourri of topics anyway.

Thanks!
Kristi

 

[stitchlover]

Kristi,

I am in Texas too! We live in Aledo which is just West of Fort Worth off of I-20.

Anyway to the point of your post. I have two good friends that have gone this route. One had the bariatric surgery and the other had lapband. They both live in Fort Worth. If you aren't able to get any responses from the boards please feel free to PM me and I will be happy to see if either or both of them would be willing to talk to you about their experiences.

The friend with lapband had her surgery last year sometime and has done quite well. The friend that did bariatric surgery just had hers done within the last 6 weeks and has really been struggling. But I would be happy to touch base with both of them for you.

On another note if you are interested in talking about other weight loss methods both Nikkibell and I have lost over 100 pounds and kept it off for quite a while. I lost 120 pounds in 2006 and Nikki lost I think 118. I can't remember exactly when she lost hers. I did Weight Watchers and Nikki did Jenny Craig. We are both very friendly and willing to talk to you about our experiences. I'm more friendly than Nikkibell. I'm just joking!! Nikki and I joke with each other on Facebook all the time. She will think it's funny (maybe) that I said that.

All that best no matter what method you choose.

 

[NWOhioAngela]

I usually hang out on the Budget and Dining boards, but I'm considering getting the gastric sleeve (where they remove 70% of your stomach). Has anyone here had it done? Or had another bariatric surgery done? What was your experience with it?

Totally unrelated to this board, but this board always has a fun potpourri of topics anyway.

Thanks!
Kristi

Kristi, I had this procedure six years ago and lost 200 pounds. I had the sleeve portion, plus the duodenal switch, if that means anything to you. Please feel free to PM me and we can chat. I would be happy to answer any questions I can.

 

[tlcoke]

You might want to repost this on the DISabilities board...I know I have seen posts there about the different Gastric Bypass procedures, so you might find more who have had this done and more people to ask your questions too.

 

[*Meagan*]

I have the lap band. totally love love love it! I didnt have a ton to lose. and I was one of their smallest patients they have ever operated on. But after struggles and eating disorders and the list is endless... it was my last option. I have lost 50+ pounds!

Pm me if u would like!!

 

[RachelsMommie]

Thanks for the responses! I'm going to figure out PMing and send a message to some of you.

I weight about 225 and am 5'6". I have struggled with my weight my entire life, but I used to hang out in the 160s. Since I've had my 2 kiddos, this is my new "neighborhood". I've tried Jenny Craig, Medifast, Atkins, South Beach, and Weight Watchers. I have a thyroid condition that I'm constantly adjusting my meds for, so losing weight is a frustrating and slow battle, and I'm hungry all of the time.

So I lose 40 pounds, gain 40 pounds. Then repeat. I've looked into lap band, gastric bypass, and the gastric sleeve and I think the gastric sleeve is what I would want to do if I do anything. Just wondering how bad the recovery is and if my life will be a nightmare afterwards in terms of eating. This is SUCH a hard decision to make. Any advide you guys can give would be welcome.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

My dad had his lap band surgery about a year and a half ago.

Since then, he's lost about 100 pounds, and looks and feels great. He does have issues on a regular basis. Without going into too much detail, there are all sorts of foods that don't go "through" the band, and that's rather unpleasant You get to know pretty quickly what works and what doesn't, but it can be tough trying something you haven't had in a while.

I'm really proud of him, though, and I think he looks awesome.

 

[MM32830]

I lost 85 pounds in the span of a year. That was 6 years ago and never gained it back.

What you have to realize is that to be successful in losing weight, you have to modify your behavior. You have to realize that what you are doing now (food and behavior) is the cause of your weight and you have to modify that behavior.

I am never hungry any more because I have no longer think about food as something to do. Now, food is to sustain life. You may have heard the saying but it's worth repeating: "Some people live to eat but I eat to live".

The biggest problem you will experience after you've lost your weight is knowing how much you NEED to eat to sustain life. It is substantially less than you are eating now. It may take you a year or more to find that point.

When you go out to eat with friends, you'll learn to not eat all your meal at the restaurant. What I now do is cut my meal in two before I even start eating. I eat half and the other half goes home. There are some meals that get divided in three.

Once you lose your weight, you can eat anything you want but you just eat less of it.

Again, it's all about behavior modification.




_____________
Armand

 

[RachelsMommie]

I lost 85 pounds in the span of a year. That was 6 years ago and never gained it back.

What you have to realize is that to be successful in losing weight, you have to modify your behavior. You have to realize that what you are doing now (food and behavior) is the cause of your weight and you have to modify that behavior.

I am never hungry any more because I have no longer think about food as something to do. Now, food is to sustain life. You may have heard the saying but it's worth repeating: "Some people live to eat but I eat to live".

The biggest problem you will experience after you've lost your weight is knowing how much you NEED to eat to sustain life. It is substantially less than you are eating now. It may take you a year or more to find that point.

When you go out to eat with friends, you'll learn to not eat all your meal at the restaurant. What I now do is cut my meal in two before I even start eating. I eat half and the other half goes home. There are some meals that get divided in three.

Once you lose your weight, you can eat anything you want but you just eat less of it.

Again, it's all about behavior modification.




_____________
Armand

Do you mind if I ask which procedure you had done? And what your height/weight was before the procedure?

 

[kaligal]

You have to eat less.

You can have the surgery and then eat less. If you don't eat less afterward, you gain it back. Seen it happen. So you have to eat less after the surgery.

Or you can not have the surgery and eat less.

It's up to you. Me, I wouldn't want to take the risks associated with surgery. Yeah, most people come through just fine. The overwhelming majority come through just fine. But a few become horror stories.

Why take the chance on being a horror story (and go through all the suffering involved) when you can eat less before instead of after?

That's my $.02

 

[NWOhioAngela]

You have to eat less.

You can have the surgery and then eat less. If you don't eat less afterward, you gain it back. Seen it happen. So you have to eat less after the surgery.

Or you can not have the surgery and eat less.

It's up to you. Me, I wouldn't want to take the risks associated with surgery. Yeah, most people come through just fine. The overwhelming majority come through just fine. But a few become horror stories.

Why take the chance on being a horror story (and go through all the suffering involved) when you can eat less before instead of after?

That's my $.02

Kaligirl,
Which surgery did you have?

 

[kaligal]

Kaligirl,
Which surgery did you have?

I didn't. I know 2 people who did. One gained all the weight back within 3 years.

The other spent about 6 months in the hospital, almost 3 of them on a vent. Then she went to a rehab center for 10 more weeks.

That's my only experience with it.

 

[ToddyLu]

I am 5'4" and weigh 222-226 most days. I lost 68 pounds in 2001 and my highest weight has been 234. Most people thought when I was at may lowest weight that it was too much lost...that was around 158. I could not get below that weight. That process took so much mental energy...buying new clothes, new undergarments, more time in makeup because you feel better. It was like I was focused on my weight 24/7. I mentally could not keep up that process, soooo then weight slipped back on. In that time frame DH did not spend more time with me than usual, he was very frugal with compliments (he says he was afraid to say anything for fear I would stop....). I just wasn't more happy. Now of course loosing weight is not about being happy it is about being healthy and I was very healthy...it just didn't feel like me.

I think I have a reverse body image disorder where I see myself smaller than reality. Like the anorexic sees fat when she looks in the mirror. It is that I do not care....I just cant do it mentally...hard to explain. Or maybe this is my EXCUSE not to do it....either way it is healthy to be 168 pounds, I know that, getting there was hard. As a nurse I have seen way too many people sick after the Gastric Surgeries. The lady I share an office with at work had a lap band a couple years ago and has lost probably 130 pounds. She had an irritable bowel disorder before her surgery. 75% of my morning is listening to her stomach rumble-it interrupts conversatons, listen to her gag, or running to the restroom. It is very hard to feel positive about Bariatric procedures in light of that. As a wound care nurse I see the issues with wounds after surgery so that is another deterant. I just cant do the surgery when I know eating less and excercising are the key and that is how I lost all the weight the first time. Behavior Mod is definitely the key. If you do not have that before the surgery, I am afraid most do not have it after the surgery.

I so hope you do well what ever you decide. Inform yourself as best you can..go to the support groups and do just as the Dr. tells you.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I have struggled with weight issues my entire life. Two and a half years ago, I joined Jenny Craig to give complete control to other people. If it did not work, I was destined for some type of weight loss surgery. At 5'3", I was 264 pounds and developing signs of diabetes and sleep apnea, and already had muscle and back issues.

I followed the plan, made my own adjustments so it wasn't difficult to live with, and lost 119 pounds in close to a year. I have kept it for for two and a half years. I recommend it to anyone. It really is easy and you do not have to eat health food forever. JC weans you off of their food, shows you how to factor in dining out (I ate french fries every weekend beginning at Week 5), and works with you on how to maintain your new weight.

You mentioned that you tried JC before. How long ago was that? I really suggest you go back and try it again. Surgery is so invasive and does not get to the root of the problem, in my opinion. The JC program is based on the proper food groups you need to eat everyday to remain healthy (and lose weight). They also work with you to understand why you are eating the way you do and help you break through bad habits. Many insurance companies even offer a discount.

JC saved my life and I know it could help you. While I realize that everyone is different, I would recommend looking into this option and sticking with it for a period of time before going the surgery route. You honestly have nothing to lose...other than the weight.

 

[shellynn24]

I have struggled with weight issues my entire life. Two and a half years ago, I joined Jenny Craig to give complete control to other people. If it did not work, I was destined for some type of weight loss surgery. At 5'3", I was 264 pounds and developing signs of diabetes and sleep apnea, and already had muscle and back issues.

I followed the plan, made my own adjustments so it wasn't difficult to live with, and lost 119 pounds in close to a year. I have kept it for for two and a half years. I recommend it to anyone. It really is easy and you do not have to eat health food forever. JC weans you off of their food, shows you how to factor in dining out (I ate french fries every weekend beginning at Week 5), and works with you on how to maintain your new weight.

You mentioned that you tried JC before. How long ago was that? I really suggest you go back and try it again. Surgery is so invasive and does not get to the root of the problem, in my opinion. The JC program is based on the proper food groups you need to eat everyday to remain healthy (and lose weight). They also work with you to understand why you are eating the way you do and help you break through bad habits. Many insurance companies even offer a discount.

JC saved my life and I know it could help you. While I realize that everyone is different, I would recommend looking into this option and sticking with it for a period of time before going the surgery route. You honestly have nothing to lose...other than the weight.

Do you mind if I PM you?

 

[MM32830]

Do you mind if I ask which procedure you had done? And what your height/weight was before the procedure?

I didn't have any surgery. Lost the weight through diet (low carb) but now I eat anything I want. Just not as much as I used to.

I am 5' 10". Before I started losing weight, I weighed in around the mid 250s. Now I am in the low 170s (varies between 170-173).

As I said in my previous post, it's more about behavior modification than it is about food.

Interestingly, I just had dinner with a couple tonight. The wife recently (May) had gastric bypass surgery. She has lost 56 pounds so far and has been very happy with the procedure. She has had no complications of any kind but she also told me that she was warned of all types of potential problems. She was lucky not to have had any complications.

The prep work she had to go through was intense. Lots of meetings with groups, nutritionists, doctors, psychological exams, several blood tests, etc. etc. This prep work lasted 3 months. All this prep was to make sure she was ready for a new lifestyle.

3 months after the surgery she can now eat 1 cup of food for a meal. Any more than that and she doesn't feel well. That will change as time goes on. Right now she is eating about 600 calories per day and she will eventually be eating 1200-1500 calories per days.

Hopefully this information is helpful.




________________
Armand

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Do you mind if I PM you?

Not at all. I have a small group of DISers who PM me regularly about weightloss/Jenny Craig.

I didn't have any surgery. Lost the weight through diet (low carb) but now I eat anything I want. Just not as much as I used to.

I am 5' 10". Before I started losing weight, I weighed in around the mid 250s. Now I am in the low 170s (varies between 170-173).

As I said in my previous post, it's more about behavior modification than it is about food.

Interestingly, I just had dinner with a couple tonight. The wife recently (May) had gastric bypass surgery. She has lost 56 pounds so far and has been very happy with the procedure. She has had no complications of any kind but she also told me that she was warned of all types of potential problems. She was lucky not to have had any complications.

The prep work she had to go through was intense. Lots of meetings with groups, nutritionists, doctors, psychological exams, several blood tests, etc. etc. This prep work lasted 3 months. All this prep was to make sure she was ready for a new lifestyle.

3 months after the surgery she can now eat 1 cup of food for a meal. Any more than that and she doesn't feel well. That will change as time goes on. Right now she is eating about 600 calories per day and she will eventually be eating 1200-1500 calories per days.

Hopefully this information is helpful.




________________
Armand

600 calories a day? That's so unhealthy. Yikes!

 

[MM32830]

600 calories a day? That's so unhealthy. Yikes!

Actually, that's all she needs right now. Her stomach is the size of a walnut. She can't eat more than 600 calories. Of course, with such a low calorie intake, she's not getting all the vitamins she should be getting so she has to take supplements. Again, this will change later when she starts eating more calories.




________________
Armand

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I understand. It's just tough to get all of the vitamins and minerals you need on 600 calories because her stomach has been reduced in size. That's what I was referring to.

Honestly, what works for one person may not work for another. I think anyone who overcomes a battle with weight is a hero. It's a very difficult thing to do. We all just need to make the best choices for ourselves.

 

[bkoehl]

You have to eat less.

You can have the surgery and then eat less. If you don't eat less afterward, you gain it back. Seen it happen. So you have to eat less after the surgery.

Or you can not have the surgery and eat less.

It's up to you. Me, I wouldn't want to take the risks associated with surgery. Yeah, most people come through just fine. The overwhelming majority come through just fine. But a few become horror stories.

Why take the chance on being a horror story (and go through all the suffering involved) when you can eat less before instead of after?

That's my $.02

Yes, it all comes down to eating less but this is often easier said than done. I am lucky, other than 5-10 lbs here and there I have never struggled with weight. However, being a physician, I have MANY patients who do. They all know they eat too much (even if they don't admit it) and they have all dieted and mostly failed. Surgery now is VERY safe for ALL ages from teens to elderly. It is also, hands down, THE most effective weight loss solution out there and the one with the best LONG TERM weight loss results. Do people gain weight back, yes. Do some have complications, yes. But being 100+ pounds overweight also carries horror stories most significantly diabetes. Gastric bypass CURES this even if the patient is still overweight.

I too used to think they just needed to eat less and try harder, surgery was too risky, but the data out now shows that it is almost a disservice to NOT discuss this weight loss option with patients.