Bariatric Surgery

[RachelsMommie]

Thanks so much to everyone for their info. NikkiBell, I had no idea you struggled with your weight. I've read many of your posts, and I always pictured you as a 5'8", 120 pounds. I would never have guessed that you had weight struggles.

I've made a decision to put off making a decision about surgery until next summer. I'm giving it 9 months to make "Custer's Last Stand" and change ME. I'm going to go back onto Medifast since it worked well for me before and work on changing the way I see food. I need to take this one day at a time and not be defeated by set-backs. If by next May I'm not where I want to be, I'll revisit this decision.

Thanks so much to everyone! You are all so supportive and so is the DISabilities board. It's amazing how a community that was started for Disney trip planning can be such a help in all areas of our lives.


Kristi

 

[Mbacherfhd]

I am 18 months out post lap band. So far down 150 lbs and have no issues with it. You do have to educate yourself and learn a new way to chew and eat your food but it is totally worth it if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

 

[anonymousegirl]

May I join this DIScussion?

I too have struggled with my weight pretty much from puberty on (30+ years). I have tried WW, JC, and Diet Center. I also have had gym memberships and had a personal trainer for a year. Nothing shifted the weight (although the gym thing did convert some of the fat to muscle). The most I have ever been able to lose is 30lbs (twice) but got bored, discouraged, or my lifestyle changed (addresses, jobs, etc) and I lost the motivation or the "magic" combination of what was working.

Until recently my weight was something I lived with but it didn't hold me back significantly. Now just under 300lbs and that has changed. I can't walk like I used to, going on vacation is less fun (even Disney), I can"t do a zip line, I can't ride a Segway, I can't ride a helicopter without buying two seats. The thought of walking world showcase depresses me. I don't like to fly alone because I'll be squishing a stranger instead of my skinny hubby. I'm developing sleep apnea and my back and hips ache a lot. Luckily my BP and chloresterol levels are good. My dad died of complication from morbid obesity much too young and had his first heart attack age 40. I am 48 and feel like it'll be any day now.

I am considering a procedure because I need to eat less and yet I physically can't stop eating. I was hoping that by making my stomach significantly smaller, thus "filling up" with less food would be an answer.
Apparently that is not the case.
How depressing.

 

[*Meagan*]

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.

Oh yes "stuckage" thats always fun!!!

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.

I have a thyroid condition.. and I had an eating disorder in 2001 and relapsed multiple times. Before my surgery I had to see a dietician/counselor.. who figured out I have had a distorted body image and a problem with my self image and food since the 2nd grade! I was a normal active child.. normal weight and height etc etc.

I know how you feel. A lot of people do. Either surgery is a life changer and not just a simple fix. You have to mentally prepare for them.

I am 18 months out post lap band. So far down 150 lbs and have no issues with it. You do have to educate yourself and learn a new way to chew and eat your food but it is totally worth it if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

Dont you love it? I love my band and I cant imagine my life with out it!

Chew chew chew and slow eating! It is hard to do. I have to talk myself through each meal!

 

[Mbacherfhd]

Dont you love it? I love my band and I cant imagine my life with out it!

Chew chew chew and slow eating! It is hard to do. I have to talk myself through each meal!

Absolutely totally love it. Definately the best decision that I have made for myself or my life. First WDW trip coming in October myself and wife are planning to share meals. She has not had any bariatric surgery, but she has been able to change her lifestyle as well.

 

[HARVEYSGIRL]

I had gastric bypass surgery on July 14th of this year. I have always been heavy. I have dieted for years. I would lose weight and gain it back. I chose to do it for health reasons. My father died at 36 from a massive coronary and I had already had a heart attack at 27. I am now 34 and I started to have trouble with my liver. All of the medicine for cholesterol had taken its toll. I weighed in at 319.5 and I swore to myself that I would not end up like my father. After I found out that the surgery would help my liver and reduce the amount of medication I had to take, I jumped in with both feet. I am proud to say that I have lost 45 pounds and already feel better. I have a long way to go but I am very motivated. My youngest son has autism and I have to stay around to take care of him. For me I feel like I made a choice to change my life. Well really to save my life.

 

[nursesandy]

I had lap-band done in June of 2010. So far I have lost 46 pounds. The first month I kept telling myself, "OMG, what have I done to myself." Now, I love my band. Of course I will have my first post band Disney trip in November so I can't comment on it, but the amount of food I eat now is far less than what I used to eat. Good luck on your decision.

 

[MM32830]

Remember that if you have had any type of bariatric surgery, you can order off the children's menu at any table service restaurant at Disney if you have a note from your doctor to confirm that you have had the surgery.

As I said before, I haven't had surgery and lost my weight through diet but the outcome is the same. You eat less. Often I will order off the kid's menu at counter service restaurants. Never had a problem.




_________________
Armand

 

[RachelsMommie]

May I join this DIScussion?

I too have struggled with my weight pretty much from puberty on (30+ years). I have tried WW, JC, and Diet Center. I also have had gym memberships and had a personal trainer for a year. Nothing shifted the weight (although the gym thing did convert some of the fat to muscle). The most I have ever been able to lose is 30lbs (twice) but got bored, discouraged, or my lifestyle changed (addresses, jobs, etc) and I lost the motivation or the "magic" combination of what was working.

Until recently my weight was something I lived with but it didn't hold me back significantly. Now just under 300lbs and that has changed. I can't walk like I used to, going on vacation is less fun (even Disney), I can"t do a zip line, I can't ride a Segway, I can't ride a helicopter without buying two seats. The thought of walking world showcase depresses me. I don't like to fly alone because I'll be squishing a stranger instead of my skinny hubby. I'm developing sleep apnea and my back and hips ache a lot. Luckily my BP and chloresterol levels are good. My dad died of complication from morbid obesity much too young and had his first heart attack age 40. I am 48 and feel like it'll be any day now.

I am considering a procedure because I need to eat less and yet I physically can't stop eating. I was hoping that by making my stomach significantly smaller, thus "filling up" with less food would be an answer.
Apparently that is not the case.
How depressing.

To this poster and to all others who struggle with their weight, keep trying. The one thing that has kept me from going over 250 has been the dieting I have done. In 2008, I did Medifast, went from 225 to 175...and would have kept going down to 150, but I got pregnant. That pretty much killed it for me. Now I'm having to deal with the post-pregnancy weight. I had gotten down to 190 in April, but I got laid off and got a new job and the stress of the situation made me abandon my weight plan.

I think bariatric surgery does work to make people "fill up" because it causes less of the "hunger hormone" to be secreted into your system.

I'm just giving this another try to get my weight down to the 150s. The surgeon suggested I give it 6 months to try to avoid surgery and I think it's a good idea.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[wishspirit]

To this poster and to all others who struggle with their weight, keep trying. The one thing that has kept me from going over 250 has been the dieting I have done. In 2008, I did Medifast, went from 225 to 175...and would have kept going down to 150, but I got pregnant. That pretty much killed it for me. Now I'm having to deal with the post-pregnancy weight. I had gotten down to 190 in April, but I got laid off and got a new job and the stress of the situation made me abandon my weight plan.

I think bariatric surgery does work to make people "fill up" because it causes less of the "hunger hormone" to be secreted into your system.

I'm just giving this another try to get my weight down to the 150s. The surgeon suggested I give it 6 months to try to avoid surgery and I think it's a good idea.

Good luck to everyone!

I have nothing more to add than best of luck! I think you are making a great decision to just try that little bit longer to lose it yourself, but having the band as a back up. I wish you all the best!

 

[rotlex]

Don't do it. I know 3 people who have. One nearly died and spent 6 months in the hospital. Of the other two, one has gained all the weight back in just over 2 years, and the 3rd is doing ok, but struggles with minor issues.

My wife and I each lost over 100lbs doing Atkins and have kept the weight off for 5 years. There is no magic to the surgery. You are simply eating less food. You can do that with proper diet and a little self control. I was heavy, as in 100lbs over weight for over 20 years. When I decided I wanted to get healthy, I did it properly. Not with some ridiculous overly dangerous procedure.

I'm having a t-shirt made that says "Staple your mouth shut. It's cheaper, and safer"!

Don't mean to sound harsh, but I have had one too many close friends have severe issues with this. Also, my sister in law is an RN and I have heard more horror stories than I cars too regarding these procedures.

 

[Miriade]

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

Hello Kristi!
In 12/15/2010 I'll complete four years since my bariatric surgery. From 268 lb to 163lb in more or less 11 months...
I've done the complete procedure called "Fobi-Capella with band" like this:

Well, I only can say I wish I had done it sooner. I was 30yo when I decided to go through the surgery. But i'd like to think things tend to happen when you're in the right mind frame... and the very first 3 months when you'll be 'learning to eat again' and there are serious restrains what you can and cannot do (read EAT) are really tough for people who eat all they want like me without a care in this world. My, my... actually I still have and I think I'll have to battle the 'obese-mind' that rests inside me, after all it's been living with me almost my whole life and I still need to practice and strugle to eat healthylier (sp?)(chocolate tast too much better tahn tomatos, sorry).

Fell free to PM, if you like.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I feel as though I would be more active (and thus help maintain my weight) if I didn't weigh enough for two people.

I did not have active role models when i was growing up. Both my parents work and neither were ever sporty. I did soccer for two years but wasn't very good at the running. Years later I realize I was an un-diagnosed asthmatic which of course made me avoid physical activity.

I don't think I'll ever run a half marathon but I'd like to be able to walk long distances, ride a bike again, learn to rollerblade, that sort of thing. It is just hard when you're doing it for two overweight people.

My downfall is fast food and sodas. I do not normally eat ice cream, chips, candy, cookies. I don't drink lots of alcohol. I guess what I'd like the surgery to do is force me to give up what I have the hardest time with--the burgers, fries and sodas--long enough for me to exercise off the 170 lbs and then hopefully my new eating habits and daily exercise regimen will maintain the loss even if I have the occasional Wendy's.

 

[RachelsMommie]

OP here.

I realized this week that I've been defining my success in diets all wrong. I weigh myself every morning without fail when on a diet. The problem is, if that number tips up or doesn't go down, I feel like a failure. Of course, we know that number from one day to another can change for other reasons...fluid retention or something of the like.

I decided this week that the number on the scale does NOT define short-term success. Whether or not I had a successful day of good physical activity and good food choices does define my success. Was I in control of myself today? Did I make choices that were good for my health? If yes, then I had a successful day. If the number on the scale goes up .2 pounds, who cares? The number on the scale WILL go down as a measure of long-term success, but the short-term success is measured by my behavior and choices.

I'm now one week in, and down 6 pounds. 6 pounds down, 61 to go. I even exercised 3 times this week, though one round of "exercise" counted was 4 hours with my husband and 2 kids at the zoo, but that was definitely a good workout! I honestly think I can do it this time and that bariatric surgery is probably not the wisest choice for me. I swear, the disboards are such an awesome place to get a new perspective and some support.

Taking it one day at a time....

 

[anonymousegirl]

OP here.

I realized this week that I've been defining my success in diets all wrong. I weigh myself every morning without fail when on a diet. The problem is, if that number tips up or doesn't go down, I feel like a failure. Of course, we know that number from one day to another can change for other reasons...fluid retention or something of the like.

I decided this week that the number on the scale does NOT define short-term success. Whether or not I had a successful day of good physical activity and good food choices does define my success. Was I in control of myself today? Did I make choices that were good for my health? If yes, then I had a successful day. If the number on the scale goes up .2 pounds, who cares? The number on the scale WILL go down as a measure of long-term success, but the short-term success is measured by my behavior and choices.

I'm now one week in, and down 6 pounds. 6 pounds down, 61 to go. I even exercised 3 times this week, though one round of "exercise" counted was 4 hours with my husband and 2 kids at the zoo, but that was definitely a good workout! I honestly think I can do it this time and that bariatric surgery is probably not the wisest choice for me. I swear, the disboards are such an awesome place to get a new perspective and some support.

Taking it one day at a time....

Congratulations Kristi!! I agree about the scale, btw.

 

[DisneyBelle99]

I am a Nurse for 38 years, and I had the Lap band 12 weeks ago, LOVE IT!
I wasn't ready until recently, but after I had my gall bladder out via laparoscopy a few years ago, the wheels started going.....HMMM......
Honestly, I was put off by scary outcomes from the Gastric Bypass surgery in the beginning years, so I went with the lowest (and most adjustable) form of surgery. Lost over 30 pounds so far..........YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY!!!

The Key is the support from the Surgeon's office. There is so much preparation, and follow up. Keep researching, and you will find what is best for you. Good Luck.

 

[dpuck1998]

Just want to toss in a small observation. You can manage your eating, but get active! Put on muscle and don't be afraid of the gym. Muscle burns calories and lifting weights is a great way to feel healthy, get stronger and lose weight. Lots of people think they will get "big" lifting, but trust me it won't happen unless you are lifting to get big. Keep the weight low and the reps high!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I had the first part of my psychological evaluation for gastric bypass surgery today. The testing is tomorrow. The process to get this surgery is not easy and requires months of evaluation by various professionals.

I liken my obesity to a person standing in a deep hole without a rope or ladder. There are some that are able to dig themselves out without the rope or the ladder and others get part of the way up but then slide back down. All the while, there are people peeping down the hole, giving directions on how to get out or telling you that it is your own fault that you are in a hole. Or telling you how they know many people who have dug their way out of that hole successfully and telling you that a rope or ladder is not needed. Some people just laugh at you for being in the hole.

Some people are so convinced of their own inadequacy or defeated that even if the rope is made available to them, they don't use it because they want to show the world that they can get out of the hole without it or they are ashamed if they admit they need a rope.

If you imagine yourself in that hole, imagine how that would feel. It is easy to just sit in the hole and give up after so many attempts to get out. You start to feel it is impossible.

Gastric bypass is my rope. It is a tool. If I use it correctly, it will get me out of the hole and keep me out. If I don't use it correctly, I will remain in the hole.

 

[Ericandjenng]

I had the first part of my psychological evaluation for gastric bypass surgery today. The testing is tomorrow. The process to get this surgery is not easy and requires months of evaluation by various professionals.

I liken my obesity to a person standing in a deep hole without a rope or ladder. There are some that are able to dig themselves out without the rope or the ladder and others get part of the way up but then slide back down. All the while, there are people peeping down the hole, giving directions on how to get out or telling you that it is your own fault that you are in a hole. Or telling you how they know many people who have dug their way out of that hole successfully and telling you that a rope or ladder is not needed. Some people just laugh at you for being in the hole.

Some people are so convinced of their own inadequacy or defeated that even if the rope is made available to them, they don't use it because they want to show the world that they can get out of the hole without it or they are ashamed if they admit they need a rope.

If you imagine yourself in that hole, imagine how that would feel. It is easy to just sit in the hole and give up after so many attempts to get out. You start to feel it is impossible.

Gastric bypass is my rope. It is a tool. If I use it correctly, it will get me out of the hole and keep me out. If I don't use it correctly, I will remain in the hole.

This is a GREAT analogy. Someone who has never gotten to the point of thinking surgery is the only option left cannot understand what drove you to this point. I do wish I had not shied away from it as long as I did. But like many people, I heard the early problems and did not realize how much progress had been made.

I had Gastric-bypass (Roux-en-Y) in Jan 2008 with no issues. I lost 80 lbs in one year but then I had my only complication of an adhesion on my bowel (basically scar tissue created a blockage near my pouch)emergency surgery to repair/remove it and was home the same day. The thing that drove me to surgery was elevated liver enzymes. My PCP had tried alot of things to get them under control with no success. I had a young son and was not only shortening my life but was also affecting the quality of our lives.

Is it easy? Is it the easy way out? Heck, NO! Most people have no idea what is like to go two weeks without chewing. You take it for granted then when you have this surgery, most require liquids only for at least two weeks while your stomach and other manipulated parts heal. Then you are very restricted on types and amounts of food for another 4 or so weeks. Then the next 4-5 months, it's another step. I still can only eat so much at a time and feel it when I eat more than I should. The good part--within 3 months of surgery my liver has shrinking to a more normal size--fatty livers are enlarged. My A1c (the long term blood glucose level that is an indicator of pre-diabetes) was normal again.

Almost as soon as I recovered from the emergency fix, I went back to the fertility doctor and went through another successful round of treatment that resulted in my DD. BUT, the hormones that I had to take did a number on my system. I was able to gain weight through my pregnancy (the docs kept a very close eye on her growth). And when I first had her, I lost 30 lbs in 6 weeks. Then I returned to work....

Since then I have gained 40 lbs...very frustrated but I also know something's not right. My PCP keeps saying just watch what you eat--most people eat in a meal what I eat in a day. However, I do drink sweet tea which is really a no-no. I also think part of my problem is lack of sleep. I have a very weird work schedule and the baby at home so I sleep in pieces everyday but when DH is off.

Now that the weather is cooling off, I hope to get out and walk with DD while DS is in school. And that will help alot. I am not taking as many vitamins as I was at first. I do still get my vitamin levels once or twice a year and will continue to do so. I will get the weight back off again, it's just a matter of getting motivated and finding what works for me. But I am still healthier than I was before surgery...even with the weight regain, I still no longer have the problems with sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, or my liver.

I WOULD DO IT AGAIN!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Thanks Jenn, I hope I will feel the same way.