I need info on Gastric By Pass surgery---anyone know anyone that has had it?

[meandtheguys]

Poohbear123, I was just wondering if by chance your husband has tried the atkins diet? My DH who has diabetes, and high blood preasure and high cholesterol does great with this. We were just able to take him off his meds for all three after just arelatively short time. Our doctor is aware of this, by the way. When he goes off carbs, his sugar levels take about 3 weeks to come down to a decent number. He hasn't lost tons of weight, but it is slowly coming down.

I know this isn't for everyone. It doesn't do diddly for me at all. I just thought I would share his story. He also was 270 at 6'0". He is now down to about 250 after about 2 months.

Anyway, just thinking about you.

Michelle

 

[AnnaFromCT]

I had RNY done on 12-16-03.
I would do it again in a heart beat. I started at 240 pounds and in 3 1/2 months have lost 75 pounds. I look and feel great.
I know at least 10 people who have had the surgery and not one of them had any complications(not even a fever) or died, so don't listen to all the "DEATHS". Every surgery has a risk, but I would of rather took the risk to get healthy and thin then to stay big and fat for the rest of my life. The only advise I can give is make sure you get alot of feedback about the surgeon you choose. My surgeon is great and has had a large success rate. Good Luck in your decision and if you have any question feel free to ask me.

 

[missyc]

What does RNY stand for?
Is that the bypass? Or one of the alternatives?

 

[AnnaFromCT]

It is short for Roux-en-Y technique.
It is the bypass.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by AnnaFromCT
I had RNY done on 12-16-03.
I would do it again in a heart beat. I started at 240 pounds and in 3 1/2 months have lost 75 pounds. I look and feel great.
I know at least 10 people who have had the surgery and not one of them had any complications(not even a fever) or died, so don't listen to all the "DEATHS". Every surgery has a risk, but I would of rather took the risk to get healthy and thin then to stay big and fat for the rest of my life. The only advise I can give is make sure you get alot of feedback about the surgeon you choose. My surgeon is great and has had a large success rate. Good Luck in your decision and if you have any question feel free to ask me.

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First of all, 12-16-03 was a fairly short time ago and they are finding that complications can occur weeks, months, and even years down the road, so "feeling and looking great" right now is a rather premature endorsement.. Hopefully you WON'T ever suffer from any complications, but it's a little too early in the game to declare it risk free, don't you think?

Secondly, to suggest that people "don't listen to all the deaths" isn't very logical when even the medical community is having second thoughts about both the immediate AND long term effects now.. You would assume that with more people having this surgery the reports would be better but instead they are becoming worse and some hospitals have even stopped performing this bypass due to the number of deaths and serious complications.. 1 in 200 is a VERY high risk and one that should not be taken lightly..

While I wish you nothing but success - and a long, complication-free life - I think you are doing a grave disservice by telling others not to listen to the KNOWN risks.. A decision that is made without ALL of the facts being carefully considered can - and has been - deadly for far too many people..

 

[AnnaFromCT]

Well, you can die from anything nowadays. What are the risks of dying from even something as easy as childbirth? How about all the complications that come from that too?
Anything that has to do with surgery has complications and a high mortality rate. How about the complications and mortality rate of being obese?
Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Congestive Heart Failure and the list can go on and on. I bet it is more higher than having GB surgery.
I have had the surgery a few months ago, But I do know of a few people that have had the procedure done 5 plus years ago and they are doing great.
I hope if anyone is considering going thru the surgery they do their research about it. And don't listen to the people who tell you that "They Heard" something about it, and talk to people that went thru it. It will be more encouraging.
Thanks

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

Please do not take any advice from a forum board.

Talk to a board certified surgeon and the support staff for the procedure.

While life altering, it is no higher risk than any major surgery. And if you can be done laproscopically it is even better.

It is an approx 4-6 months process before you can have the surgery. During that time youare repeatedly informed of risks, life alterations and any complications. You are given therapy both one on one and group. You are trated by a team of Drs and Psychiatrists, as well as nutritionists and surgeons.

PLEASE TALK TO DOCTORS not people from the internet, we are not qualified to give medical advice.

I knew BL also she was an amazing person, whether she died from surgical complications or not, I am not privy to her medical records. It is all speculation as much as many are sure of it.

People who come to this surgery bring with them unique set of problems.

I also resent the try anything first. Do you not think that these folks haven't done that? Do you think they just thought it would be easier to have surgery rather than diet? Please do not minimize the thought and desperation that goes into this decision it is both insulting and infuriating.

I am currently in the program at NEMC in Boston, have been for 3 months, whether I end up doing BP or lapband I haven't decided.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by TIGGERSMOM
Please do not take any advice from a forum board.

Talk to a board certified surgeon and the support staff for the procedure.

While life altering, it is no higher risk than any major surgery. And if you can be done laproscopically it is even better.

It is an approx 4-6 months process before you can have the surgery. During that time youare repeatedly informed of risks, life alterations and any complications. You are given therapy both one on one and group. You are trated by a team of Drs and Psychiatrists, as well as nutritionists and surgeons.

PLEASE TALK TO DOCTORS not people from the internet, we are not qualified to give medical advice.

I knew BL also she was an amazing person, whether she died from surgical complications or not, I am not privy to her medical records. It is all speculation as much as many are sure of it.

People who come to this surgery bring with them unique set of problems.

I also resent the try anything first. Do you not think that these folks haven't done that? Do you think they just thought it would be easier to have surgery rather than diet? Please do not minimize the thought and desperation that goes into this decision it is both insulting and infuriating.

I am currently in the program at NEMC in Boston, have been for 3 months, whether I end up doing BP or lapband I haven't decided.

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I agree 100% - that anyone considering this surgery should do thorough research that entails both the good AND the bad.. One cannot be ignored in favor of another or an educated decision can not be made.. My comments were meant to encourage people to research ALL of the facts equally.. To tell someone to "ignore" the bad reports is irresponsible - they must at least be factored in.. Don't you agree?

I'm also sorry that you resent the "try anything first" aspect as it wasn't meant to imply that you or anyone else hasn't - although I do know of some personally who haven't.. Again it was just a matter of weighing the risks - the pros and cons.. Some people are able to lose weight in other ways - some people are able to STAY overweight yet by some miracle are able to maintain their health as well and they are comfortable with who and what they are - and there are those who feel they have no choice but to go the surgery route.. Each must make their own personal decision -but in order to make an "informed" decision, they need ALL of the facts - not just the pretty ones..

All I'm saying is to get ALL of the facts - the success stories AND the ones that were not successful..

Good luck with whatever decision you make - and obviously, if you decide on the surgery, I wish you nothing but the best..