Gastric Bypass survivors... I need advice!

[FutureMrsC]

I know there are some posters floating around here that have had this done... I'd really love to know your experiences with it. I tried the search function, but all I really found were "survival" tips w/ being in the parks.

Let's see... I'm 24, currently diagnosed w/ hypothyroidism and hashimoto's thyroiditis, fibromyalgia, celiac's disease, depression, and allergies/asthma. Very pooh sized... if you want to know more about the size, please PM me I've been on various diets (weight watchers, lean cuisines, watching calories, atkins, sugar busters, etc.) since I was about 10 or so... I've been fairly overweight since I can remember. My Mother's and Grandmother's families have a high rate of morbid obesity which has caused many complications and suffering, generally leading to their demise.

I feel fortunate that the issues that I have are limited; I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. I do have trouble, as much as it upsets me to admit it, walking around for great distances, though I think that partly it's the fibromyalgia, though I know that my weight certainly doesn't help it at all. I have this desire to be active, but I'm continually frustrated because the pain gets in the way.

I've considered gastric bypass for several years, since I was 20 or so... I know it's not a quick and easy fix, I know it's still going to be a difficult road, but I feel like maybe this would get me the help that I need in order to change my lifestyle. My primary physician has stated that she believes I'd be a great candidate for it.

Anyway... I'd love to hear success stories... or some not successful stories. Googling has only gotten me so far...

Thanks!!!!

 

[Aisling]

No personal experience with it yet, but my sister is scheduled for gastric bypass surgery on June 11th. If the search works, maybe you can find a thread I started about it about a month ago. There were lots of personal stories, some good and some not so good. My best wishes to you!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I know very little about it. Don't know all the different surgeries, etc. Two things I do know.

1. You have to tell them you've tried lots of diets and exercise. And you have to tell them that you tried to lose weight during their waiting period. A friend of mine refused to lie. She told them that she didn't exercise and wasn't really dieting and just wanted to do it the easy way, to be more healthy. They turned her down flat and the shrink said she was in denial.

2. You still have to work at it even after the fact. An old neighbor of mine had the surgery. The girl was really big - really, really big - before she had it and then got so skinny that I was starting to worry about her health. Frighteningly skinny. But then, little by little, she put the weight on again and was looking good. But she kept putting it on again and is now a little past the "pleasingly plump" category and is getting very fat again.

If you do it, best of luck with all of it.

 

[Cass]

There's a really good forum called 3fatchicks

They have sections and support for dealing with depression, fibromyalgia, and a whole section with success stories where people have had the gastric surgery, you can read through their whole process and post questions.

 

[tar heel]

I have a friend who had the surgery a little over a year ago. She looks wonderful -- like a different person, really. On the down side, she was back in the hospital enough times that all her friends were really worried about her.

 

[horseshowmom]

A man in our Sunday School class had this in January, and while there was an initial drop in weight, since then I can't tell any change at all. (And I was watching because this had crossed my mind too.)

 

[englishteacha]

2 friends of ours have had gastric bypass. 1 had it 12 years ago and lost the equivalent of a whole person (about 150+ pounds). She's kept all off but 20 pounds that come and go. Her husband had it done a year ago, and lost 170 pounds (again, a whole person). He has to be very careful what he eats. Many things he used to like really don't agree with him now. He eats mainly vegetarian, and no sugar. She eats meats and sugar, but I know she watches what she eats so she doesn't over do. It is a total lifestyle change, honestly.

I've battled with weight my whole life, but not like our friends did. We didn't know them pre-gastric bypass, and never knew they weren't always fit and healthy until he showed us his driver's license. I never would have known it was the same person, honestly.

 

[FergieTCat]

As for me ...

I am considering having lap band surgery (which is less invasive), and started my "6 month diet under medical supervision." My doctor gave me a low carb diet and suggested I join Weight Watchers. So, 2 months into the "diet", I've lost over 20 pounds. In any event, I have to be under medical supervision for at least 6 months, and I have four months to go. My doctor and I are watching to see how much weight I lose and go from there.

And no, I never thought I would lose any weight again without surgery. No one is more surprised than I am. And I'm not saying "If I can do it, so can you" because I hate that mentality. I'm just sharing my experience.

Wish me luck one way or the other.

 

[Jaclynfett]

Cass-Thank you for that forums link. I love finding new message boards and that one looks really good.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I know 2 people who have had gastric bypass. One died before she got out of the hospital and one slimmed down quite a bit but is still very pooh sized (it has been a few years). She eats junk. The surgery did not cure her eating habits. I have a friend who had the lap band surgery and has had success but again- she still eats junk. She has not learned how to eat properly and I know for a fact that her doctor was aces. I can understand the need and the want for the surgery, but from what I have witnessed, these people would have had better results had they hired a nutritionist and a personal trainer. Then they would have learned how to eat. The cost is the same. I am not preaching, just giving you my experience. As a side note- my friend who died from the surgery had lost 100lbs the year before the surgery and gained most of it back. It was very sad. Good luck with whatever you decide and make sure you really research it. The good and the bad.

 

[Todd&Copper]

If your eating is emotionally triggered (and you do not deal with the psychological aspect), the surgery will not help you in the long run. I have seen a number of people get either gastric bypass or lap bands and lose a lot of weight (one lady, D, from my old office went from about 350 to 150, 5'3" tall) but then they fall back into their old eating habits and gain a lot of the weight back. D was a very emotional eater, and she was clinically depressed. She stayed at 150 for a hot minute, then creeped back up and now, about 4 years after the surgery, she is well over 250 again. She's not quite as bad as before, but she is far from healthy.

Good luck with your decision; it is good that you acknowledge that this is not a quick fix. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[FutureMrsC]

My BMI is about 43 or so... give or take. I don't really emotionally eat... I've been w/ a psychologist and psychiatrist since December... actually got hospitalized at a mental hospital for 2 days for depression, but that's somewhere on another thread.

The only time that I remember emotionally eating was when my Grandmother passed away... that was really the event that sent me into the hospital to begin with.

I really do make an honest try every day (and why would I lie to people I don't know? would there be any point to that?) to behave. Having Celiacs limits my carb intake, and already having a few vitamin deficiencies has forced me into eating more fruits and veggies (mainly veggies) than I used to... I feel lucky in the fact that I don't care for fruits and veggies w/ sauces or dressings or toppings, and since making those changes, I did manage to lose about 25 lbs or so... but that's really just a drop in the bucket from where I am presently to what my normal weight would be... my ideal weight is about 150-160 lbs away from where I am now.

My primary care physician has given me the name of a bariatric surgeon that she's crazy about because he is so thorough. Most likely my insurance WILL NOT pay for this either, so I'm going to REALLY be weighing my options... luckily I didn't have to pay for college, so my "college fund" could be put to that use. This Dr will require me to meet with a dietician/nutritionist and their own psychiatrist/psychologist, and I'm absolutely game for that. If they can point me in a direction that someone else hasn't, then I'll be ecstatic.

I guess the place that I'm at now is just really in shock and embarrassment at how I ended up where I am. I'm FINALLY in a state of true clarity and acceptance. Up until last year, I (and I nearly caught myself saying "probably", when in actuality it's completely 100% my fault) didn't really try exercising very often... 30 minute walk a day or so... for a few weeks and then I'd burn out and give up... or get injured... or have some other excuse as to why I couldn't do it.

Now, I'd really love to go for walks and do other exercise just because. Not because I should, but just because I have this desire to do things that don't require spending time on my derriere. I've been diagnosed with having (and am being treated for) adult ADHD... the desire for activity probably has something to do with that. Anyway... I'm continually frustrated that no matter how bad I (as in my mind/spirit) want to, my body can't. I guess it could be equated to someone in a wheelchair or with another mobility issue... it's very frustrating to me. I'm hopeful that one day I can crawl out of this "fat suit" and do what I want to do and not let the weight stop me.

Cass, thanks for the forum link... I'll check that out this afternoon.

Thank you all for your replies thus far... I greatly appreciate it!!!

 

[DisTeach1]

I guess I don't understand the reason for gastric bypass. I understand that it's not a fix...that it still requires a committment to healthy eating and exercise. So...if you're going to make that commitment to eating healthy, then why have the surgery done? I know a fellow teacher who had it...She is a compulsive eater and she has gradually resumed bad eating habits...Yes, your body does readjust to unhealthy eating. Well, she has put most of the weight back on. She eats junk food all the time and eats McDonald's for lunch every day. She never dealt with the underlying issues. I just think if a person is going to make that much of a commitmment to healthy eating, then they won't need the surgery...they will lose the weight on their own. After watching the Biggest Loser this season, I've seen that eating and exercise does make a huge difference.

As for the fybromyalgia...Have you tried water aerobics or swimming? It's supposed to be better for the joint pain.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

OP - I'm sending you a PM.

 

[mickeyfan2]

60 minutes did a show on this last night.

They said that most people who get the surgery do not get skinny. Most lose 1/3 of their weight. So a 300 lb person will be 200 lbs later. They said it is rare to get to your ideal weight.

They did find out a very interesting side effect. Type 2 diabetes disappears within a week or two.

 

[DVCJEN]

I know two people who have had catostrophic problems after GB. One passed away in the hospital. The other had terrible complications (whole stomach closed off instead of leaving a "pouch") She went into a coma about 3 weeks after surgery. She came out of it-- legally blind.
There is also a woman at work who had GB about two years ago. She said she weighed 295 at her heaviest. She lost 100lbs! But since that time she has gained quite a bit back already. She is very depressed and withdrawn--not the bubbly person she used to be.

Please think long and hard before you do something so drastic. It will be a life altering experience-- and not always in a positive way.

 

[justmom]

I had gastric done several years ago. I did lose the weight. However I was very sick after doing it. About 4 months in they found out I had uterian cancer.

I had a relative that had the same doctor do her's 2 weeks after mine. She only lost about 50lbs.Then she put it back on. She had so much trouble another doctor had to go in and correct it. It has been 2 years since then she has problems everyday and pain. She still weights close to 200 lbs.

I went down to 120 and was told by several doctors I needed to gain weight back. I think alot of my weight lose was due to the cancer treatment. I have put on some of the weight after being told I had kidney cancer in 2005. I should take off some of it again. I have gone back up to 185lbs., Due to my kidneys not working correctly and the fact I was working in a high stress job (I was litterly living on candy at my desk, eveyone would bring it to me because I look like I was going to pass out.) I really should take off about 40 lbs. That would but me at about 145lbs. I know 120 lbs does not should that thin but my rib cage and hip bones were sticking out. Thus the reason they wanted some weight back on.

My relative used to love salad she no longer can eat them (to much pain). She actually lives on cottage cheese 2 or 3 times a day. Yet she can not lose the weight and most everything puts her in pain.

So consider this and then reconsider it.

I ended up with kidney cancer 2 years ago. I have been under treatment for that. So they are happy when ever I eat even if it is junk.

Remember this is a life change. It may or may not work. Even if it does work you can put the weight back on. Remember people do die from it and after it. You could end up with a life of pain everytime you eat.

(Given your Fibro condition you are use to constant pain.However think of what it is like if you take a drink of water and double over).

Given my case and my family member both of us would really reconsider it. It may not have caused my cancer but it did not help my kidney problems. Something they did not find out until later. Alot of people end up getting kidneystones because of it. I already had a history which my doctor knew. Now I have 3 or 4 stones at least per month. There are 2 types of stones I get both(lucky me). So think about that. They say kidneystones are the closest thing men will feel to having a child. So I have 3 or 4 "babies a month".

So consider and reconsider. It may not work,you may be buying into more problems. Is it worth the the possible pain or other problems?

Hugs'
Justmom

 

[Piglet4Ever]

My best friend had gastric bypass two yrs ago, she lost about 150lbs, but in recent months has gained some back. She just needs to get back on the exercise kick. She had a few minor problems, stomach upset and such, but she did have a large hernia from the surgery that she had repaired about 7months ago. Overall she is thrilled with the results of the surgery, she never could have lost all that weight on her own.

 

[justcantwait]

There seem to be a lot of people posting who know someone who had it, but haven't had it themselves. If you haven't had it, you don't know what went on in their heads, or their bodies. All you see is the end result. The surgery is a tool. If you're not going to use it the way you're supposed to, it's not going to work. I suggest you go to www.obesityhelp.com. They've been a great source of information and support for me. I had vertical banded gastroplasty in Nov. '07. I've been losing slowly but steadily and feel great. I'm about halfway done with my weight loss, but every day is a new opportunity to work that tool some more. Yes, people said "why don't you try xxx diet? It worked for you before." Uh huh, everything worked for me before... for a while. Then I'd get fed up and quit. This surgery is something that keeps me on track. I don't have the option to quit. There are days when I'm not as diligent about choosing the right foods, but the next day, I start fresh. I can go on and on about how people fail the surgery, not the other way around, but that doesn't help anyone. If you want more information on my particular situation, or about the surgery I had, please pm me. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Kathy

 

[momof1princess]

i would have to second the pp's suggestion regarding obesityhelp.com-it's a FANTASTIC resource. i'm not going to tell you about a "friend of a friend" or a coworker or neighbor-i'll give you my own personal experience. 4 years ago i weighed 374.5 lbs. i was housebound, could barely stand up or walk, couldn't bathe myself, wipe myself (sorry if TMI but it's the unvarnished truth). i wasn't living, i was existing. then suddenly, my uncle, who weighed close to 500 lbs, died of an abdominal aneurysm and my mother called me on the phone from the hospital begging me to change my life so i wouldn't end up as he had. the day after my uncle's funeral, i called the surgeon who did my cousin's gb surgery 4 months prior and got an appointment. 2 months later (after insurance approval, psych evaluation and preop testing) i was on the operating table and right now, i'm 195 lbs lighter. i'm not thin by any means, but I HAVE MY LIFE BACK. just last week i went ice skating (for over 1 1/2 hours) and horseback riding (for an hour) in the same day! sure my weight fluctuates 2-5 lbs depending on which day you ask, but my life is so vastly improved i can't even express it. bear in mind, this is NOT a quick fix and if you don't use your "tool" (your pouch, i.e. your new, smaller stomach) correctly, it won't work nearly as well. i'm strict about what i eat (no junk food, just meat, fruits and veggies), i exercise regularly (even though i HATE it) and i take my vitamins, calcium and b-12 shots as required by my surgeon. i have blood work done once a year, see my surgeon once a year and hold myself accountable for the choices i make. only you can decide if you're willing to make this choice to change your life FOREVER, but if you decide to go for it, i wish you all the best.