Gastric Bypass Surgery

[FergieTCat]

(Things I think about when I should be working ...)

Are there any advantages to Gastric Bypass Surgery other than being able to lose weight faster? I understand, of course, that some people cannot lose weight without the surgery, but that's not my question. Is it easier, harder, or the same to regain the weight than if you were on a successful diet without the surgery?

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I have a friend who has had this surgery... my understanding is that you can only take in so much food with the pouch that they make you...in saying that, she lost a lot of weight... but cannot seem to keep enough protein in...I notice that her hair does not look good... she eats Tums all the time, and from what I understand ends up vomiting if she overeats.......I am not sure if others have had more positive results but wanted to tell you what I have heard from this friend..

 

[Kimnicki]

I work with two people who have had the surgery. One has no real problem to speak of but the other is constantly having many issues. Another co-worker's daughter had the procedure and has since passed away. She ended up contracting a neurological disorder caused by problems associated with the surgery. She had the surgery in November 2002, went into a coma in Jan 2003 and passed away in March 2003. I too have briefly had a passing thought of having this surgery, but it seems to scary to me!

 

[dizneegirl]

Originally posted by FergieTCat
Is it easier, harder, or the same to regain the weight than if you were on a successful diet without the surgery?

From what I understand, it's just as easy to regain the weight after surgery.

Many of the gastric bypass patients are put on a low-carb, high protein diet to help them lose the weight after surgery... it's not a miracle weight loss. If they go off their diet, like any other person, they put the weight back on.

The stomach will also re-stretch after surgery. Even if you start out with a small pouch, it's possible to eat so much that it stretches back to a pre-surgery size.

With all the possible complications, and the limits on what, when and how much you can eat, I would guess a successful diet would be a MUCH easier solution.

 

[KathyFP]

I had the vertical banding done. It was sucess*** with getting my diabetes under control. I haven't taken any meds since the surgery and my level is rarely over 100. The weight is a different story.

Here is a thread that I started about my surgery:
Sugery Failure

Feel free to PM me.

 

[FergieTCat]

Kathy --

Best of luck to you!! I hope you work out your problems.

I was just wondering (yesterday) if it was "worth" going through the surgery if there's a real possibility you can gain the weight back. I guess there is for some people, but it sounds like it isn't a permanent solution.

However, I think Carnie Wilson (for one) has made the surgery sound like a magical thing. I don't think I've ever heard her menton a "con" side to the surgery.

I was probably thinking about this whole thing because I saw Carnie Wilson on Hollywood Squares last week. I had to stuff 100 envelopes at work yesterday and my mind was wandering.

 

[KathyFP]

There has been a lot of Media around the surgery. Look at Al from the Today show.

I know people that have been extremely successful. One cousin went from a size 28 to a 4/6. Former secretary went from size 24 to size 4/6. A former staff lost over 100 pounds.

I am not sure why I wasn’t that lucky. I just have to accept that I have to do it the hard way.

I don’t regret having it done. I was terrible at taking my meds and my diabetes was completely out of control. Fortunately I don’t have any other health issues.

IMHO - if is it is for a medical condition where it is critical to have a rapid weight loss in aa short period of time if is benefical. But it is not a miracle cure for everyone.

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

The weight loss with the banding is very different than the Roux-en-y bypass. It's not as successful.(once I learned of the difference in success rates I decided on the roux-en-y) It was a long journey of over 7 months before I had mine done. I learned a lot with all the different stages that you go thru to get it approved by the insurance company. It's not something to be taken lightly.

What you shoudl do is check into seminars in your area at your local hospital and go to a few of them, you will learn about how it is done an dhow it works, and why in some cases it doesn't work. Whenit doesn't work most of th etime it is due to the individual who hasn't followed the diet restrictions and done what needs to b e done. Hair loss is a factor in about the 3rd month. You must take your vitamins and calcium and iron on a daily basis the rest of your life! You must also take B12 and to helpo curb the hair loss you can take a few different things, but if you do the right amount of protein then it shouldn't be a problem and i fyou do lose it, it does come back!

It's been a tough time right afterwards with the soreness and gas, but it is well worth it! I must adhere to the dietary guidelines if I expect to make this a total success!

I know that Roseanne had the surgery and she stretched her stomach out and is gaining her weight back by the pounds! LOL But some poeple shouldn't have it until they are absolutely prepared for it!

You must be on a 3-6 mth 1200 calorie a day diet supervised by your physician and or nutritionist, you must see a nutritionist for at least 3 mths, have a psych eval, go to meetings and seminars, take a test to see how much you understand about it, and then visit with the surgeon twice before surgery, you PC has to write a letter whyt hey feel you need this surgery and any other physicians that you see on a regular basis. It was a long journey and I had to go thru a lot with my insurance company to get it approved. Each one has its own restrictions, most being in the same ballpark. Since I had it done my BP is at a great level, I am no longer a diebetic borderline candidate, and I've been losing weight! I exercise a lot too. That is one of the biggest factors in losing the weight! The more you exercise the more you lose!

If you have any questions I'd be more than happy to try and asnwer them!

 

[girlsx2]

I am currently on a waiting list to have the RNY surgery. There is so much that is not said with the media and there has been so much hype surrounding it. As previously stated, you should really check out a local semiar regarding this surger. It's not for everyone and there are drawbacks to it. You must be committed to it and use your new "tool" to the best of your ability. I have found that this is the route I am willing to take and am willing to make the necessary life adjustments that are required to make my story a success.


Thanks,
Sherri

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

Exactly. It's been a long road and I am ok with what I will have to do and I still do my support groups/meetings because it does help to stay on track.

Have you checked out www.obesityhelp.com?

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

had it done about 3 months ago and she has lost 25 lbs. But she has not changed the type foods she eats and I don't think that is a good sign. Also, she seems to be having "sugar" all day long by life savers, hard candies. Probably not good either. she does no exercising and I think that she knew what to say when she did the pre consult stuff so that insurance would cover.

Good luck in whatever you choose, research has to be a good thing for your own understanding of procedure.

And BTW - I notice you have lost on your own - so I am thinking you can do it - sure it may be slow but it will be forever cuz you would have worked so hard to get there!

PS Give us an update of your thinking see that originally posted in May - thanks

 

[girlsx2]

Zoe -

I agree with you, it's not going to be easy, you are told that up front. You have done wonderfully. As far as the website...I love that site. My doctor highly advises us to use it to it's fullest extent. Following the guidelines set forth by your doctor is a big factor wether you will succeed. Going to support groups too are a big part of it as well. I go to support groups now even before surgery. That gives you the chance to talk to people of all stages of surgery or pre surgery.

Grammy -

Your friend who is still eating the sugar, candy etc...is doing herself a big injustice. Why would one go through all the pain and expense of having this surgery and not follow the rules? I know this is not of your concern, but that is very dishearting to hear. I have friends that would love to have such a chance but can't due to no insurance and not enough cash to pay for the services upfront. She should be much farther along than 25 pounds for three months out. I could be wrong, everyone loses at their own pace but that seems to be super slow.

That's just my two cents. I don't mean to start a debate. Everyone has their own ideas about this surgery...the good.. the bad and the ugly. Only you can decide what is best for you. If you are ok with the risks, side effects and the results, then by all means go for it.


Sherri

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

It wasn't until I had exhausted pretty much everything else including prescription weight loss drugs that I went for the surgery. I tried WW, Jenny craig, 1200 calories a day, 800 calories, and poof! Nothing to get excited about. I had to lose 120 lbs for medical reasons, so this surgery was my last resort and I must say it has helped and I am pretty much doing pretty darn good!
I have learned that you should not weigh yourself daily. so right now I only weigh myself when I have my DR visits and when I get my B12 shots.

Sugar is one of the biggest no-nos when on this diet! Why anyone would even want to take that risk is beyond me!(I know what I have gone thru mentally and physically to have this done!)

The good thing about my DR is that at his seminars and even when you see him he is very adament about what can and will happen to you if you do not adhere to the guidelines with the strictest discipline! He really spells it out for you! He gives the cons right along with the pros!