Surgury for weight loss

[Cowgirl]

Has anyone out there tried or know someone who had gastric bypass surgury? I would never do it but I know someone who recently has and was wondering what she has to look forward to. So far she has lost a lot of weight but I can't help but think this is not a very good idea. It seems like it could be dangerous and unhealthy the way she has to eat now. Not to mention a lot more difficult to deal with than a diet. The things she has to do for her health now seem a lot harder to deal with than just biting the bullet and sticking to a sensible diet. I would like to know more about this so I can understand her decision to do this to herself. If anyone has any information I would appreciate it.

[trixiepup]

what type of stuff does she have to eat?
if it is surgery that makes the stomach smaller, i would think it would grow larger with time and large amounts of food.

the whole thing just sounds way too invasive for me.

[Amethyst_Menace]

Weight loss surgery is very hard on the body.... see

http://www.radiancemagazine.com/redline.html

for one woman's story...

AmMen

[Nettie1971]

Wow AmMen! Everyone should read that story. I'm sure a lot of women have had the surgery and have not had these problems, but, wow, what a story.

Thanks for the info.

231/200/170

[MrsJim]

...I used to subscribe to it way back in 1988-1990...a very well-done magazine.

Actually I give reading Radiance (as well as BBW) Magazine credit for getting me (at 265 pounds) out of my chair and exercising. If it wasn't for that, I would have been scared to leave the house except when absolutely necessary.

So - even though Radiance is a 'fat acceptance' publication - it was partially responsible for setting me on the path that I still follow today - now on Body for Life and feeling great!

Oh, by the way - speaking of Weight Loss Surgery - Carnie Wilson has a forum/message board at www.spotlighthealth.com. I have my own views about the effectiveness over time of WLS - reading quite a few stories much like the sad one posted by Amethyst above. In the book "Losing It" by Laura Fraser, she interviewed a couple of people who had the surgery - with terrible results...

Anyway, if you do go to the Carnie Wilson board, you need to take it with a grain of salt. Remember that she is a paid spokesperson for the Spotlight Health group (I'm not 100% sure about that but I have a feeling that she was given the surgery free in exchange for promoting it and even letting the doctors show the surgery via webcam). It has been less than two years since she had the surgery done - from what I've read, the 'bounce-back' that happens with WLS usually occurs after a number of years (say, five). I'm not an expert though so don't take my word for it!!

[Tammy B]

I have not had the surgery. I think it is very interesting and I have done lots of research into it. I think it is the right thing to do for many people, but also the wrong thing to do for others.

Weight loss is so different for everyone. What works for me probably does not work for you. I think the key is to find what works for our OWN body and stick with that. Be it low-fat, low-carbs, nondieting, surgery, pills, whatever!

Just my two cents.

Tammy

[Tootsie]

Cowgirl- email me if you want.
i will tell you about the surgery and my experience.

[Cowgirl]

Wow thanks fo all the input. I did not know if anyone would be interested in this topic. My friend alreaddy had the surgury but I worry that it can't be good for her body. It was the type where they make the stomach the size of a thumb. She can only eat a few bites of food at a meal. She started out on liquids and soft things like mashed potatoes and cottage cheese. She is eating other things now and has lost a lot of weight. She has to take vitamins every day for life to make up for the food she is not eating. She says that she did it for her health but I think it was more for her self immage. She seems to think she will have a happier life if she is thin. I am also trying to loose weight and have so far lost 60# the old faqsioned and (to me) safer way. By using slimfast, watching what I eat and excercising.

[ageoldie]

WOW I'm glad I came to this site to browse today. I plan to check out all of the site you memtioned, and if there are any others, Please send me a Personal Message with the info.

My husband's doctor has just told him that he really needs to have the surgery. I'm terrified of the thought, but then again, if it't to the point where he might die without it.... I don't know it's just really scarry to even think about. He has gone as far as getting an appointment with the surgeon, but undouboutly this is becomming a popular procedure and the first appointment is not until November the 8th. I have been trying to find out all I can about it before he goes.

Tootsie: If I send you a PM with my email addy will you share your experience with me too? I only know of two people to have ever had this, 1 died on the operationg table, and the other was a girl I met one time at the health club and she was estatic about her results, but it had not been very longsince her surgery, and she never came back to the club to my knowledge, so I have no idea whatever happened with her.

Sorry to ramble on like this, but this is a subject very much in my thoughts and prayers at this time,

Thanks to all of you for your imput.

[12BFit]

I'm a neurology secretary and one of the physicians in my department had to see a patient who had neurological damage from having this surgery done years ago. Please ask a lot of questions from health care professionals before attempting this! JMHO. I think these patients have malabsorption problems too (digestion difficulties). MaryC

[KidGuy]

That is quite a moving story you posted...

[QuilterInVA]

My friend had this down 6 years ago. She is now in perfect health after losing 217 pounds and can eat just about anything. Your stomach will stretch somewhat so that you eat more as time goes by. For her, it saved her life. She just couldn't stick with a weight loss program and got to the point she was overwhelmed by the amount she had to lose. She had plastic surgery after 2 years to get rid of all the excess skin. While it isn't to be entered into lightly, it can work if you have good doctors and keep up with followup medical care and LEARN NEW EATING HABITS.

[sadiegirl]

A few people that I work with had the surgery. 1 had terrible side effects. Others throw up constantly others are back to eating like there is no tomarrow and are working on gaining the weight back. I read in an article that the surgery should not be done to anyone with a BMI under 40.
:dizzy:

[Cowgirl]

I just don't get it! Why is it that people find it impossible to learn new eating habits which would have caused them to be able to loose weight and yet they go and (I hope I don't offend anyone )mutilate their bodies after which they find that they have to do what they should have done in the first place? My friend was also frightened ,by a doctor, into having the surgery. If a person is that concerned about their health why doesn't this motivate them to work hard at loosing the weight. I am also sometimes overwhelmed by the ammount I have to loose. I still have 80 pounds to go after loosing 60. I take it one small step at a time. Focus on loosing 5 pounds and when you acomplish that give youreself a pat on the back and work for the next 5. I really do want to understand. Personally I am a person who eats to make myself feel better. I am always hungry even when I have recently eaten. I have noticed that it is not as bad when I cut down on carbs. Thank all of you for your insight on this topic:p

WOW,I just read that story. I'm sorry it took me so long. I know I'll never put myself through that even if i have to be fat the rest of my life. Thanks for the link!

[sadiegirl]

I totally agree with you cowgirl. I said the same thing when all the ladies at work all jumped on the wagon to have this done. I felt that they chose to mutilate their bodies.

[QuilterInVA]

Why don't people just learn to eat right and avoid the surgery? Probably for the same reason that people who are diabetic don't follow their meal plans and end up losing both legs (my friend's sister) or going blind (my husband's aunt) or have to go onto the kidney transplant list (a co-worker)...despite the major risk involved, they just have too many psychological problems to quit eating. I think they should have these people work with a psychiatrist before having the surgery.

And then there are those who are always looking for a quick "easy" fix to the problem and they don't realizes what the ramifications of the surgery are.

For some, the amount of weight they have to lose is several hundred pounds and they just are too overwhelmed to even begin.

[Josleyn]

I stumbled upon this website and just had to respond. I had this surgery March 29th of this year. Websites like this wouldn't exist if losing weight & keeping it off...10 lbs or 100 lbs.... was so easy. I respect others opinions and I just ask that others have an open mind.

This surgery is not for everyone. I do not try to talk others into doing this. It is a very personal decision. I struggled for a while with whether to have this surgery or not. I couldn't understand why losing weight was such a struggle for me. I did not have a bad childhood, I have a wonderful husband of 11 years who loved me just as I was, I have two beautiful boys, I had a job I liked....I felt successful & content with everything in my life except my problem with food & weight. I have been overweight since I was 5 years old. I could lose weight but then I'd lapse & gain it all back plus more. Now I was 357 lbs and my health was beginning to fail. I had high blood pressure, high tryglycerides, heart palpitations, many aches & pains. I too didn't understand why those factors alone didn't scare me enough into sticking to a diet but it didn't.

I had seen a friend of mine go thru this surgery & I was happy for her success. She had lost 117 lbs in a year. But I had no intention of doing this myself. But one day I had just had enough. I was tired of waiting to see if I'd lose weight this time & keep it off. I was more scared of what might happen if I didn't do something drastic. I began researching this and eventually contacted the same surgeon who had done my friend's surgery and I got the ball rolling. My health insurance (***S) did cover this.

I am doing fine, have had no complications, have lost 70 lbs so far, am off of all of my medications except one. I feel like I have control now. I was never satisfied before when I ate. I am now quickly full and satisified. I can eat just about anything I'd like but in small portions. To me this is much easier than my diets of the past. I'll have to take vitamin supplements for the rest of my life and follow up with my surgeon. He believes strongly in follow up care. He does blood work to make sure I'm not deficient in any areas. He has support group meetings every month which he personally attends and answers any questions.

I'm not trying to tell people they should do this. This was what was right for me. If anyone wants more information a great site to research info on all the different types of weight loss surgery (there are several different types of surgery) a good site is www.obesityhelp.com and go into the Public Entrance.

ooops! The Public Entrance clicky thing (is that considered a URL?) isn't there any more. Just click where it says the Association for Morbid Obesity. :dizzy:

[Carnation]

Josleyn: Thanks for your words of wisdom!!! I certainly wish you continued success with your weight loss. You really have yourself "together". I know that surgery is not for everyone and there are horror stories out there (as there are for just about anything!) BUT you have the voice of reason and for that I thank you. Take care and best wishes to you and yours.:wave:
Carleen...
(Had to edit my post - spelling was horrible!)

[Velda]

I just read that Radiance magazine article and honestly, you can feel the woman's pain, but she has deep-seated major emotional issues bubbling up all through that article. She loathes herself, and more or less punished herself with the surgery.

I would probably never have that surgery, but for some people it is a viable option, but good mental health should be a prerequisite. I wish doctors would require some substantial counseling before the decision could be made.

[Josleyn]

Some physicians and some insurance companies do require a psycological evaluation before surgery. Some do not. My surgeon goes by what the patient's insurance company requires and mine (***S) did not require that.

I also saw another sad story about a lady who had this surgery done. It was on TLC last night & was called Christie's Story. Obviously she had a lot of personal problems beginning in her childhood and after her surgery & weight loss she just went wild....drinking, drugs, abusive relationships, etc. She was over 500 lbs before surgery so if she had not had this surgery she certainly would have been likely to die. So should she have been denied surgery just because her personal life & possibly mental health wasn't in order? Should anyone be denied a medical treatment for any condition for reasons like that? I don't know..just thinking outloud.

[Velda]

no one could have known for sure how she was going to act after the surgery i guess, but maybe 6-months of pre-surgery therapy and 18-months of post-surgery therapy wouldn't be a bad idea. and yes, some people should be turned down, but I'm not sure based on what criteria.

i mean, I recently read about a man (true story) who weighed about 900 lbs, and dieted down to around 300, and then gained it all back...he was back up to 900+ and confined to a bed, couldn't walk at all, and now was considering the surgery. the story described his average breakfast, and it started with like a dozen eggs with cheese and a whole pack of bacon, and so on. and I'm thinking, if he's confined to a bed, who is the psychopath who cooks for him???

I mean, if the man has this drive and determination to eat a dozen eggs for breakfast, or a family member who will try to shove food at him like that, the surgery's only going to amount to a year or so of unrealistic hoping, painful eating, and slow tortuous failure.

Ultimately though, I think surgery would be the right option for this man, because the case is so extreme, even if he has a high probability of failure.

It just seems that for someone who can walk and move around, there are probably better, less traumatic ways of dropping the weight. i hope this post isn't offensive to anyone, I'm just thinking aloud here too... I know the feeling of having tried everything and feeling ready to hack off the extra pounds by whatever means necessary, but we have to love ourselves first, and let whatever course of action we take spring from that love. if you do something like this out of a sense of self-hate or bitter desperation, then it will be the wrong path.

[sadiegirl]

Good post Velda! I have t agree with you that if someone is confined to bed and they eat such as the individual you are describing then who is feeding or cooking for them? If he dieted down to 300lbs. and gained back 600; that is a lot of weight. I like your idea about the less drastic method. Surgery is not the cure all people tend to think. The weight can be gained back when food intake increases.

[MrsJim]

You both asked a relevant question - exactly who is cooking for these people - the man who is so grossly overweight that he cannot get out of bed for instance? SOMEONE is feeding him.

Reading those posts reminded me of two recent cases involving obese children - one from earlier this year. Recall the case in New Mexico with the 130+ pound 3 year old who was taken away from her parents because they would not keep her on a diet. Of course, they said something was wrong with the poor little girl, and she didn't eat more than any other 3 year old.

Funny that when the girl was out of their care, she lost (I believe) around 20+ pounds before the parents got her back.

Another case from a few years ago from my neck of the woods - the 13-year old who was found dead in front of her TV. She was so grossly obese that she was unable to move and had feces and bedsores all over her body.

Her mother said that the girl had 'refused' to go to the doctor or to school and would not stay on a diet. Hello - if the girl could not move and wouldn't leave the house, wouldn't it have been a simple matter just to keep all the fattening food (apparently she was eating a great deal of fast food judging from the wrappers scattered around the house) out of the house??? Hmm??

I don't think it was a coincidence that in both cases, the parents were/are significantly overweight!

Just like alcoholics or drug addicts, I would have to say that the parents in this case - and whoever it is cooking all those eggs and bacon for that guy - are ENABLERS perpetuating their addiction to vast amounts of food...just my opinion though...

[MamaJ]

As with child birth there are horror stories and there are wonderful stories. Each one of us are different. Our bodies are different...metabolisms are different, atttitudes, etc.. It is because of that I think we should always listen very carefully to our bodies and our doctors. I would definately encourage anyway considering any form of surgical procedure to obtain more than one opinion.

I live in the Houston area and last week the Mexican family that Mrs. Jim referred to was on, I believe it was on THE VIEW. The mother was interviewed and the precious little girl, who is now four years old, was also present. The story was very sad indeed. But it also offered a bit more than the original media coverage. According to the interview the parents had began taking the little girl to the doctor long before she was even two years old. They had continued to search for medical expertise as to why the little girl had such a severe weight problem. The little girl had been tested for various "conditions" which may have contributed to her weight. Yes, the little girl did lose weight while in the custody of the hospital, but she also continued to lose weight after released and residing with her parents. (According to the story) It was during this time that the baby was taken from the family causing her some emotional problems. According to this particular interview the little girl did go to the doctor frequently, but they were unable to establish one particular diagnosis. There were possible genetic conditions mentioned, but, I apoligize, I don't recall the medical names.

Perhaps it is possible that some of our bodies respond to certain food types or "eating" programs differently Thank God that this precious one is back with her family and hopefully receiving the medical attention she requires. I believe, from the interview, that the parents were required to submit the daughters eating program. They did express that it could be heart wrenching as she often did not express being full and wanted things that she saw others eating. Wow, how tough to tell your baby NO!

As far as the parents "obesity" claim. Both parents may have been a bit "chunky" or pleasingly plump, but I did not see either one as being obese at this time.

I guess the bottom line is.....we must respect each other and what our bodies require. I hope that you will do some serious praying and thought.

J

[MrsJim]

All I saw about that particular case (involving the 3-year-old) was what was in the local paper, occasional news shows and People Magazine. I missed the View as it is on during my work hours so I don't follow it (and apparently they don't have an archive online as Oprah does...)

The parents may not have been 300 pounds but in the People magazine photos last year, they could have lost quite a few pounds IMO.

Sometimes kids HAVE to hear the word "No!" Again IMHO. About two hours ago, I took my five-year-old nephew to his swimming lesson at a public pool. I find it quite shocking that my normal sized little guy is skinny compared to most of the kids there...when I was a kid, I was definitely one of the comparatively few fat kids at the pool. Now there are OBESE kids - I'm not going to say "chubby" - without number.

My sister doesn't let her kids have everything they want to eat...they do get a lot of junk IMO but Jen has told them no plenty of times when they wanted a Girl Scout cookie or whatever. Meanwhile, at the grocery store on weekends, I often see kids grabbing and eating cereal, candy bars, cookies off the shelf (the parent usually just pays for it at the register). If I did that when I was a kid, I know Mom and Dad would have been mad, so I didn't do it - keeping me from acquiring another hard-to-break bad habit - eating while grocery shopping.

Not saying "No" to kids = spoiled and (often) obese kids saddled with the physical problem of overweight for the rest of their lives...
if we want the best for our kids' lives, a firm parental "NO!" may work wonders (of course once in awhile you've got to say "Yes".) Just IMHO...

[MamaJ]

I didn't mean to come across as confrontational Mrs. Jim. I was only trying to offer a bit more detail as the interview was recent and was the first I had heard from the parents (and their attorney) side. It was heart wrenching. As a mom and grandma I could see the pain with the mom. Prior to this interview I had only seen basically what you and probably others did. Having been a "chubby" child myself, you know ...the last one anyone wanted on their team, too shy to eat in front of anyone for fear of teasing, this just really touched me.

I agree that our kids must learn healthy eating habits from an early age and that definately means "NO" at times. My children range from 15-32 yrs of age. Junk food, cookies, sodas were not a part of their food groups....well, at least at home ! lol Healthy snacks were available and teaching them to eat when they're "hungry" which included stop eating when you're not. It would just kill me to go to a friends house and see a bowl of cookies out on the table for her "little" ones convenience cause she couldn't reach the cookie jar! Or orange soda instead of water or a healthier alternative. So, yes, all too often I do agree that parents do not excercise wise choices for their children. It's funny cause my DIL will let my 3 yr old granddaughter drink from her coke can all the time and it ticks me off, yet when Kassidy (GB) comes to my house she'll take her cup right to the water dispenser on the fridge cause she knows Gammy won't let her have it! lol So, again, learned behavior at an early age.

Anyway, didn't mean to ramble on. I just didn't want anyone to misinterpret my earlier post.

Have a great day!

J

[peach pit]

I can not quite put my finger on why this thread upsets me so.

Perhaps it is because my sister has no choice but to have this surgery. Let me repeat...no choice. To have witnessed her life long struggles is truly heart breaking.

Perhaps it is because I have two children who have special needs. Among those needs are Aspergers (high functioning Autism),dyspraxia, ADHD, ADD and Sensory Integration Disorder. Sensory Integration Disorder, translates into among many other things food "issues". ie, eating only certain foods with certain textures and tastes. And no they are not chunky but let me assure you that if I had to take one of them into the grocery story and they were going to go absolutely nutso in the store...I would resort to any means to keep them under control...ie junk food has its uses!

I suppose it is the level of passing judgement on others that troubles me. I am not usually very preachy on this board...in fact, I don't think I ever have been but....remember, Only by the Grace of God go I. To walk in anothers shoes is often quite uncomfortable.

peach

[MrsJim]

...which is why I kept saying "IMO" or "IMHO" (In My Opinion or In My Humble Opinion) during my last post.

As far as weight loss surgery, I have no doubt that there ARE people out there who really have no choice but to use it as a last resort...what disturbs me is the recent trend (sparked by the recent publicity of Carnie Wilson's surgery which I feel was orchestrated by a group of bariatric physicians) to place WLS on a level with liposuction as cosmetic surgery...and making it sound like an absolutely sure and safe way to lose weight without going into the negatives...

Of course, everything I say on hot button subjects such as WLS, etc. is MY OPINION... :) based on my own personal observations.

[Cowgirl]

Wow what have I started!?
When I started this thread it was with the intention of learning more about WLS. A friend had it and I was interested in knowing more about it and what she might be experiencing. I did and still do think it is a drastic action and not the best choice for most people. I agree that it cand be a good choice for those who are extreemly over weight, 300# and up. Of course this subject is going to involve peoples feelings which for the most part seem to be negative, but I feel that it is a subject which may interest many who have been trying to loose weight for years and are looking for alternatives. If all the negative comments make them think more seriously about what this could do to them then I am glad for it. Often we make drastic decisions and don't thouroughly consider the outcome. My friend had this surgery in april. She has lost as much weight as I did in a year, 70#. She still has the cravings and desire to eat that she did before but until recently she could not eat more than a few oz at a time. Now she is eating about as much as she did before the surgery. She made this decision because she has low self esteem, can't keep herself on a controlled eating program, and because a dr frightened her by telling her she would die soon if she did not do this. Now she is forced to follow a diet and take vitamins for the rest of her life. She has been depressed and does not go out as much. So what joy has this brought her? None!!!! Sure she has lost weight, she looks much better. But she is not happy and she is eating as much as before with the added burden of taking all those pills because she can't get the nutrition out of her food. I hope it turns out well for her. I really do but I would never do this to myself. I think if there are good experiences out there we need to hear about them because if there are, then why don't those people speak up? If you don't like the negative comments please give us something positive to go on. Don't just complain about our expression of our opinions. I want to know as much as possible. This might help someone in the future who is faced with this descision.
Thank all of you for your discussion. This is a touchy subject but I feel it is an important one. I also notice the staggering # of obese children at the pool this summer and it shocks me. Are parrents so uncaring as to not discipline their children and teach them the proper way to care for their bodies? I'm sue some have legitimate medical reasons but on the whole I think people are shamefully lax in training their children for a good way of life. They do wahtever they have to to keep the kids occupied so they can indulge in pleasing themselves instead of shouldering the responsability of raising their children properly.
Sorry if I offend anyone but if people started teaching thir children at an early age, how to eat and excersise, there would not be so many unhappy peopel looking for an easy way out of their weight problems! :mad:

[trixiepup]

i know that i was a fat child. i don't know if i was obese, but i was fat. my parents cared about me, but they didn't see any problem because they grew up in germany during wwII. they were always short on food, and often went to bed hungry. they felt that by allowing me to eat what i wanted when i wanted, they were keeping me from feeling the pangs of starvation that they went through.

since i've grown up, i've focused more on being healthy than being a certain clothing size. i found an activity that i enjoy (martial arts) and i try to eat relatively healthy most of the time. i don't think i'll ever be really slim, but at least i'm at a normal weight for my height.

i know that when i have children, i'm going to *do* things with them. not for the sake of exercise, but to teach them that outdoor things are fun, and moving is fun. i also won't make them feel bad for being chubby, or for not being talented in all the team sports that parents stick their kids in. i also will limit their television time, and encourage them to play with friends instead. i think that these two things would have eliminated a great deal of teasing and self image issues in childhood.

andrea

[Cowgirl]

Great atitude Trixipup, I was overweight as a teen and feel that low self esteem was the major contributor to my weight problems. You are fortunate that your parrents were so loving mine were not as nice. My concern is more with parrents who feed their kids unhealthy foods and let them spend hours in front of the tv. I have to admit that as a child I did this too and do not apreciate the poor habits I developed because of it. Also the parents who give in and feed the kids junk to "keep them quiet". If you had a dog that barked all night you would not throw him a steak would you? No because that would be rewarding the bad behavior and would only make things worse. Well, I'm not saying kids are dogs but it is the same principal. The kid soon figgures out that throwing a fit in public is the quickest way to get what you want! I grew up in poverty and know all about going hungry. My family was even homless for a short time!I just think that parrents need to pay more attention to what they are teaching thir children because it can have a dramatic effect on their lives.

Train up a boy acording to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it. Proverbs 22:6 :nono:

[Cowgirl]

Just an update,
My friend who had the surgury last spring has now lost 100 pounds. She looks great if you just look at how thin she is but she is very pale and does not look too healthy to me. She is getting out more too. She looks ver tired all the time though. I try to keep you all posted so you who want to know will have something to go by. Personally I still would never consider it. I am diong it the old fashioned way with excersise and careful eating. So far I've lost about 60 pounds in a year and 1\2. Of course I do cheat a lot so I am going much slower than I could. Still I notice a huge difference in my body and feel so much better. I think I am probably much healthier that my friend.
For all of you who just found this thread please read the story at the link above. It is very moving and will certainly show what can go wrong. I'm still looking for positive experiences myself. I'm not too sure my friend is having one.
Keep smiling and pretend you love tofu!;)

[alashiya]

Hello Cowgirl,

I know 2 people who've done this: my sister-in-law and a lady I used to work with. The latter became too thin and didn't look healthy. My sister-in-law has lost about 80 lb. and got off her diabetes medication. She says her diabetic neuropathy is also much better. So I guess it's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

[Cowgirl]

Thanks for the post. I'm glad it worked out for you SIL. My friend still looks prety unhealthy. She is not able to do much physically and is very pale. It has been almost a year since the surgury and she has lost 115 pounds. I still would never do this for myself but I am not quite as overweight as she was so I guess it depends on the individual.:)

[ageoldie]

My DH is scheduled for the surgery on April 19,2002. It was a hard decision on his part and on mine in accepting it, but the alternatives are not good for him either. We are looking at the date as the start of his new life. Yes we know all of the risk factors, and pros and con's, but right now he really doesn't doesn't have much hope for being healthy any other way. He has too many different physical problems, all relating to the excess weight he carries. I ask that all of you think of us and pray for us as we get closer to the date, and wish us luck. I will also update this thread with his progress. Of course, I am expecting to profit from his pain, because we are pretty much co-dependents and if he is not eating much, I know I will not eat as much, so I'm bound to loose too!!!

[Cowgirl]

I'll be thinking of you and I hope it works out well for your DH. Please keep us up to date. I know the first few weeks will be hard. My friend said she still wanted to eat but couldn't. It was frustrating for her at first. She was also prety sore fo awhile.
One benefit you'll get is that he will have to walk every day. He'll want your company I'm sure so You'll have to walk too. :D

[bunbun]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and just wanted add a few words on this subject.

I had WLS 2/01/02 so far I've not had any complications or problems whatsoever. There are many different types of WLS; the one I chose to have is called the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (or BPD/DS), which is very different from the Roux-n-Y surgery that Carnie Wilson had or the Vertical Gastric Band, or the newer Adjustable Gastric Band.

With the BPD/DS surgery, I retained a normally functioning stomach, albeit a smaller one (the greater curvature is surgically removed, leaving a smaller stomach approximately the size of a small banana). It can hold about 5-6 oz, and it will stretch over time (years) to almost presurgery proportions. This is done to provide restriction during the weightloss phase (the first 2 years). My small intestine has also been reconfigured so that one limb carries bile and pancreatic juices and another carries the food I eat so that the 2 do not mix until they get to the last 3 feet or so of intestine, which is called the common channel, and this is where the majority of digestion takes place before passing into the large intestine and being eliminated. This also causes malabsorption of certain nutrients, hence the lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation. It also ensures that I will never regain the weight.

WLS is by no means an "easy out". It is a major undertaking, and
should be researched extensively before making the decision to do it. Yes, I have to take my supplements every day or I will become malnourished...this is something I'm happy to comply with, just as I've taken my blood pressure meds for years. I do not see it as a hardship. I have lost 29 lbs so far since the surgery, and hope to lose another 120. I have hypertension, severe sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, edema of the legs, severe back pain. Since my surgery, the edema is gone and my blood pressure has gone down drastically. Eventually, I will no longer have to take BP meds, or sleep with a CPAP machine.

I can eat everything I used to eat before the surgery, just in smaller quantity. I choose to eat a healthy diet. I do not crave sweets as I did before the surgery. I can drink with my meals. I do not have "dumping syndrome". IMHO, the BPD/DS allows a more "normal" way of life than any other WLS.

I dieted for over 20 years (I'm 42). I tried phentermine (only 1/2 of the fen-fen duo), "mystery shots" of some substance given by a diet doc ( think it was sheep urine), Nutrisystem (3 times), Jenny Craig, Medifast, Slimfast, Atkins, Scarsdale, Cabbage Soup (yuck!), LA Weightloss, and countless others, including WW (I lost track of how many times). All dieting did for me was to ultimately make me gain over 100+ lbs. My health was getting worse each day, I couldn't move anymore, I was carrying too much weight for my body to handle. I was in pain constantly. I could see no end in sight except my early death. This surgery has saved my life.

Wow, I didn't mean to write such a long post. Anyway, I just wanted you all to know that what most people think of as WLS, is the Roux-N-Y, but there are other surgeries that allow people to live relatively "normally" and not regain their weight

Also, for more info about the BPD/DS here is a great site:

http://www.duodenalswitch.com/index.html

Thanks for reading, if you got through this far. I commend everyone here for your efforts to get healthy and lose weight. I chose to save my life with surgery, eating a healthy diet and exercise. Others do not have to make as drastic a choice as mine. I wish you all continued success.

:spin:

Regards,
bunbun

[ageoldie]

Bunbun, I appreciate your sharing your experience with WLS. I am very familiar with the obesityhelp.com site. My DH has been debating and getting ready for this for over a year now. His surgery is set for 4/19/02. He will have the Roux-n-y, but they are going to try and do it with a laser instead of open. Pray that they can do it that way. But either way we both feel that this is going to be the best thing he could do. We can't wait to have a normal life again. Needless to say the doctors have explained in great detail what will be expected of him after the surgery, and like you we feel that will be a very small price to pay for a healthy body.

Best of luck to you.

[Cowgirl]

WOW!
Thanks for all the info Bunbun. I'm glad you made it so long. It is the best description of exactly what the y did that I have heard. It is easier to understand what the process is intended to acomplish than what I've heard before. I know that for some people it is the last hope and I understand the choice you made. I hope it all goes well for you. My friend lost at last count 115 pounds and looks terrific other than being very pale and not too strong. I don't know weather it is from the diet or something else so I can't really judge. I really do want it to be the best for her as I know her weight was a real problem. I'm just so glad that I am able to manage mine without surgury.
Please keep us posted on your progress. :D

[bunbun]

:wave:Howdy Cowgirl ,

So do I understand correctly that your friend had the BPD/DS? Or did I misinterpret your post?

If your friend feels fatigued constantly, she might be anemic, which is not uncommon after WLS. Do you know if she has had follow up blood tests done to check all of her blood levels? This is very important. Bloodwork is usually done every 3 months for the first year, then every 6 months or yearly thereafter. If she is anemic, she may need prescription strength iron supplements, which can be prescribed by her surgeon or her PCP. Do you know if she participates in any kind of post-operative follow up program with her surgeon or her PCP? Follow up care after any WLS is very important.

Glad I could help you understand a bit more about WLS in general, and about the BPD/DS specifically. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. I'm happy to help. :)

Regards,
bunbun

[Cowgirl]

Not sure exactly what type she had. Basically they took and tied off the largest part of her stomach so the size was like a thumb size. I know she had some follow up at first but don't know what she has been doing latley. I think you may be right that she is anemic. She is very pale. I don't see her often but I'll try to (tactfully) ask about her follow up and blood work. Thaks for the info.

[shwill]

Bunbun..thanks for your informative description of your procedure. Both of my sisters are looking into having this surgery. One lives in FL and her BMI is in the 50's..she has diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, neuropathy in her feet, to mention just a few of her health problems all due to her weight. She has been on every diet like you and every time gained back more than she lost. She definately needs this surgery to live. My younger sister lives in CA. She is only about 90 lbs over weight at this time. But she has too tried every diet and gained it all back. Both of them have trouble with portion control. They can stick to a particular program and successfully lose for 3-6 months, but for the long haul they have failed. (Much like a lot of us) They both feel this is their only option. I respect their decision and only want the best for both of them. We recently lost a brother to lung cancer and our parents have been gone for years. So we are very close. I have a weight issue as well, but am trying to maintain it through diet and exercise. I need to lose about 40 lbs. I have lost 30 lbs on WW in the past but have since gained it all back. So am starting again today. That is why I am reading this forum again. Looking for motivation, etc.

My only suggestion to others reading here is please do not judge others for wanting to do this drastic surgery until you have been in their shoes. Each of us is so different and I only wish the best for all of us. I pray for everyones success and happiness. :)

[ageoldie]

Bringing this thread up for some interested people.

[Cowgirl]

Sorry I meant to post sooner. Did anyone see that story on 20\20? last week? It was about a whole family in New Jersey who all had the surgury. It was very interesting and informative. I must say I have a much better understanding of how it all works and what leads some to consider trying it. Ageoldie, how goes it with DH?

[ageoldie]

Thanks for your concern. His surgery is scheduled for friday morning at 7:30. I'll keep you informed.

[bella23]

To be honest I have thought about having the operation. I am 5'9" and 280lbs. I have tried everything including seeing a dietition and still am not able to loose the weight. It is very frustrating. I am now doing the slimfast thing and giving that a try. I want to try everything before getting serious about the operation.

As far as the health risks, I have done a lot of reserch on the topic and the way the doctors look at it, is that if you are extreemly over weight and suffering other complications from the weight like heart problems, low or high blood sugar, joint problems or that you just are so heavy that you can't move, the risks of loosing your life from those outway the risk of the operation. And if you follow what the doctor says then you will be getting the nutrition that you need. You also are supposed to incorperate a workout of some kind. If you do this then in the future you can have the operation reversed and as long as you then start watching your diet and working out the weight should stay off.

Like any other diet or change of life this isn't and easy choice. It may actually be a harder one then if you just decide to diet. But if you life is that affected by the weight then you do what you have to do. And for some people that is getting at least some of it off quickly so that they can live a life.

And like all weight loss plans their are always complications that can happen. I am currently on slimfast and when I get cravings I take Metab-o-lits. That is what works for me. I haven't had the bad side affects that some get with using ephedra. But at the same time eating as few as 1200 cal like the slim fast says to eat your at risk because that is just above the starvation limit. This has to be a personal choice and a choice that you educate your self before you make. You also have to way the bad and the good. And most of these people and their doctors have come to the thought that the good is much more then the bad.

My oppinion is that you support your friend in her time of need. Help her in any way you could. Ask her if she wants to walk with you if you live close or maybe join a health club together.

This is just my oppinion and i hope it helps.

[ageoldie]

Alvin's surgery is over and he is doing great. He has has very little pain, no naseau, and no hunger. He is on a liquid diet and will be until he goes back to the doctor on May 1st.

Bella, yes it was a very had decision, (for both of us) but as you say the quality of olife is also important. We feel like he made the right decision and we can't wait to get on with our lives.

[deberino]

I have a friend of a friend who had the gastric bypass. She lost 150 lbs in one year. She never experienced the nausea that many people do so she is ( I feel) at risk of gaining the weight back because she still has the same eating habits (although in much smaller quantities) Insurance does not pay for cosmetic surgery to take away the excess skin she has from losing the weight so quickly. No bathing suits, shorts for her ever.

[shwill]

Some insurance companies do pay for the cosmetic surgery..tummy tucks, arm, hip, thigh and other areas as well. Just depends on your insurance and how much loose skin you have to be removed, if they deem it medically necessary it will cover it.:spin:

[Cowgirl]

Ageoldie, glad DH came out of it ok. I hope it goes well and you two are soon doing lots of fun things you could not do before. Please continue to keep us posted so we can learn from your experience.
I do think that for some people WLS is an option and perhaps the only one they realy have, but think about it. It more or less forces you to do something you would not or could not make yourself do to begin with. Which is controll how much you eat and get excercise. It is all about how much self discipline you have. Not knocking those who chose the surgury but I think like Ageoldie people really need to think on it carefully and be sure what you are doing is the best thing. We live in a society that wants everything RIGHT NOW and are not willing to make a little efforet to achieve a goal. My friend has lost 150 or so pounds quickly and I lost about 60 through hard work. I think I have improved my self cofidence and self esteem far more for having worked hard to loose than she has by having surgury. All I sak is that people try to look at themselves and honestly ask themselves, "am I really making an effort to loose this weight? why do I want to loose weight? are my goals reasonable? Can I honestly say Iv'e tried my very best to be healthy and just am not able to do it any other way?"
Remember that WLS is not a sure thing. It works great for many and so does diet and excercise. Weight carefully the risks before you make a life changing choice like this.
You'll sleep better for it.:)

[Avalon Whitemare]

This has been a very interesting topic, and a hot one too. I guess I get frustrated too reading it. I agree with everyone who says that everyone is different and should look at their needs when approaching weight loss. I've been interested in WLS for the past year or so and have been investigating it and looking at all my options. I belong to several email lists for WLS and have been to obesityhelp.com several times. One thing I'd like to point out here is WLS shouldn't be considered a "quick fix". First of all, you can't just walk into a doctors office and say "I want to have this surgery" and a week later its a done deal. Most insurance companies require that you jump through a lot of hoops to get there. I couldnt' even be considered for this unless I was under a doctor supervised diet for at least a year (I dont' know if all insurance companies require this). There are a lot of requirements to become eligible, such as BMI and comorbidities. Many doctors and ins. co's require psych tests to be done before approval. And many surgeons require their patients to go to support groups before the surgery, as well as requiring patients to actually lose weight before surgery. I know, sounds kind of ironic there.

Once the surgery is over, you have to still completely change your eating habits, and thats not easy at all. But unlike being on a regular diet, if you overeat after this surgery you have to face the consequences, which aren't that pleasant. Right now if I overeat or cheat, yeh I'll feel bad, but it won't physically unpleasant (unless of course I reeeaaalllyyy overeat or eat something that doesnt' agree with me). Yes, the stomach can stretch back to its normal size after surgery, but like any diet, this is a change of lifestyle here, and one that is forever, unlike weight watchers or Jenny Craig etc. A person has to make sure that they can make a committment to this before they go through with it.

I haven't decided if I will do this. Its certainly an option. I would much rather lose it "the healthy way". Heck, who wants to go through surgery, but if it doesn't work for me to do it that way, I'm at least glad that I have another option.

Ok, I'm rambling. Just thought I'd toss my two cents in, which has turned out to be more like thirty five cents. I wish all those who have had this surgery the best of luck!
Avalon

[ageoldie]

Avalon Whitemare

I couldn't agree with you more!!! It has been about 2 years since Alovin's doctor (PCP) told him he had to have this surgery if he wanted to live. Even being told that, it was a hard decision to make. Then like you said there are all the hoops you have to jump through. We wwere very lucky because both doctors were in complete agreement and helped with the insurance issues.

He went for his post-op follow up doctors visit and he;s doing really great. He was cleared to start eating real food, so I fixed a meatloaf and mashed potatoes and squash. He seemed to eat that without any problems, so it is figuring out what to fix for the rest of our life.

I plan to ride on his shirt tail and loose weight by eating what he does. Keep us in your prayers.

[Avalon Whitemare]

Ageoldie, I will certainly keep the both of you in my thoughts and prayers. Thats excellent that he's doing so well! I hope that he continues.

I hope that people thinking of this surgery will be able to hear the success stories as well as the "horror" stories. Gathering as much information as possible about the surgery, and the surgeon who will be doing it is so important. There are certainly more success stories than horror stories out there. And people have to go into this with the mind set that they are going to have to change the way that they eat for the rest of their life.

Blessings,
Avalon

[Cowgirl]

Which is exactly why I began this thread! I don't want to make people who chose it feel bad but to make people considering it think really hard about what it means to have it. I have been looking for sucess stories as well as horror stories and have found both. Agaoldie is providing a valuable service by keeping us posted on her DH's progress. I also very much apreciate the input form everyone else here who has been willing to share their experiences. My friend who had the surgury a year ago seems to be doing ok. She is starting to get some color in her face so she must be biginning to get it togather. I have to admit that the change is amazing and she looks great sizewise. But I still think this is only for those whose lives are in danger and who can't do it any other way. Whitemare Welcome and please contiue to visit us.:)

[DreamSmall]

I am new to this forum but I had to jump in with my thoughts on weight loss surgery. I had a Roux en Y done on 2-19-2001. I truly felt that it was my last option because my weight was killing me. I started at almost 300 pounds and in the first 5 months post op I lost nearly 95 pounds but since then I have stayed basically the same. This is not a magic pill and I still fight with food issues on an hourly basis. I think that my battle is even harder than it was before because it shouldn't be so hard. I never get the full feeling that I had those first few months. I need to keep my calories below 1100 and exercise at least an hour daily to lose even a pound. Those who have surgery must make sure to get bloodwork done often. We no longer have the ability to absorb the B12 that we need and once our B12 reserves are depleted we must often take b12 shots. The leftover skin is often ugly and cosmetic surgery is the only answer. Fortunately some insurances will pay for the removal of redundant skin because it is the result of a prior surgery. I am in a local support group and there are people who have many complications but every single one of them will tell you that they would go through it all over again. Even though I have not had the results that I had hoped for and I know that I will have to work my butt off to get to my goal weight... I would do it again...in a heartbeat.:moo: :moo:

[DreamSmall]

I just had to add this to my post...I am really wondering why Surgery for Weight Loss is under Fitness Scams (I know there is really no place else for it here) because it is definitely not a scam. Tell the tens of thousands who follow the post surgery rules and have reclaimed their lives and are healthy and happy. By the way... as long as the pouch is transected from the larger portion of the stomach there is little chance of the pouch "stretching out" over 8 or 9 ounces. Though if you don't follow the post surgery rules and you graze on food all day you will be able to take in enough calories to actually gain weight. This is where I struggle but I am slowly working on it. If you really want to learn more about weight loss surgery just visit obesityhelp.com or www.sabariatric.com . There is so much talk about this surgery from people who don't know the facts. Is this a drastic step? ... sure it is, it is surgery and it does change your digestive system. Have people died or suffer from complications? Yes.There is a less than 1% chance of death and a 10
to 30% chance of some sort of complications(most of which are wound infections or hernias). It isn't for everyone but for many it is the lifeline that they need.

[Venus Envy]

The NY Times featured this article on its Web site this morning:

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/23/health/23FAT.html

Apparently, WLS causes a decrease in a hormone that prompts obese people's appetite triggers. People who were obese and successfully lost weight have a hard time maintaining their weight loss because the production of this hormone actually increases after they've lost 10% or more of their weight.

[MamaJ]

I have read the posts. I think that I do understand or can relate to some of the mixed feelings. I would like to add the following.

I know of persons who have required/chosen/had the bypass. In doing so, I do not know of any person that did so without much research, clinical guidance or soul searching. And definately not as their first choice of weight loss/better health choice. It is my hope that we can all respect each other and understand that we may be at different points in our lifes with the choices we choose or must make for life altering decisions.

I would like to hear from those who have found it beneficial to have this type of surgery. THEIR before surgery feelings, why this, THEIR fears/thoughts and THEIR after stories. It really isn't up to me to speak for them or relay their stories with my improvisational words.

I agree Dream, this surgery, IMHO, is not a fitness scam, but an act that may need to happen for some to ASSIST in a healthier wol for the future.

It is my hope that we may have testimonials from others, good/bad, but ACTUAL experiences instead of heresays and speculative posts about this drastic measure.

I applaud those that I know (and some that I've read of) for their commitments and progress in moving forward after this surgery. As with any weight loss program.....if you don't follow the rules, yes, you will not maintain your loss.

I do not mean to offend anyone and hope that my post was open and diplomatic for others.

J

[bunbun]

Hi All :wave: ,

I've been following this thread for a while now. I haven't posted since March, so I figure this is as good a time as any for an update.

I'd like to respond to Mama's post as best I can. I'm 43 years old, and had been dieting for over 20 years. At 5'8" tall, I started at a relatively normal weight of 160, and over the years yo-yo'd up and down and finally got to my all time high weight of 296. I'd also developed high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, swelling (edema) of the legs and ankles, and back pain. I'd tried almost every diet out there, joined numerous gyms, even went to a doctor and got 'mystery' shots of what I think was sheep urine to help me lose weight. I took phentermine, did Medifast, joined WW countless times. I was the queen of weightloss. Losing weight wasn't the problem, keeping it off was. I suffered from low self-esteem, was depressed all the time and saw no way out of my situation. I just couldn't diet anymore, my health was suffering and I felt I had hit bottom and couldn't find a way out. I knew about weightloss surgery, at least about the Roux-N-Y and Fobi pouch, which had gotten a lot of media coverage because of Roseanne and the Carnie Wilson. I never thought that surgery was for me, it seemed too drastic or even the 'easy way'. But I started reading more about it on the internet. I found out there were many different types of bariatric surgery, and I researched them all. I finally decided that I had to do something drastic or I was just going to keep getting heavier and more miserable and unhealthy!

The first thing I realized was that surgery was not an 'easy out'! It is very serious business, and you must fit certain criteria for a surgeon to even consider performing this surgery. Then the insurance companies have their own requirements. It is not an easy process to go through; it involves all kinds of medical evaluations as well as a psychological evaluation.

After my research was complete, I decided to have the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch, or simply BPD/DS or just DS. It is a different surgery than the gastric bypass. The patient retains a fully functional stomach (no "pouch"), there is no dumping syndrome, overall weightloss is higher, and there is virtually no regain of significant amounts of weight. Further information can be found at duodenalswitch.com if anyone is interested.

So I decided to have this surgery, passed all the criteria necessary and underwent the procedure on 2/1/02. It was done laproscopically. I was in the hospital for 2 nights, and had an uneventful recovery. (for which I am profoundly grateful).

I just had my check up with my surgeon today, and I have lost a total of 61 lbs so far! My blood levels are normal. I take my vitamin and mineral supplements faithfully every day, and as for food, I can eat everything that I ate before surgery, just in smaller portions. I eat normally now. It took a while to get used to that! I eat a normal size meal. I can still eat sweets if I choose, but mostly I stick to protein and vegetables and some carbs. my 'window of opportunity' for weightloss is 18 - 24 months. I hope to lose another 80 lbs to reach my goal of 155.

My blood pressure meds have been reduced and I no longer have sleep apnea. My back pain has lessened as well as the joint pain I had. My energy level is great and it is so much easier to just move these days! I even enjoy excersizing now! Just amazing!

I feel that I have made te best choice for my health. It may not be the best choice for others, but it was for me.

Thanks and I wish you all good health!
Shari

[jiffypop]

i am extremely hesitant about posting my experience on this thread. this discussion more properly belongs in something other than FITNESS SCAMS. as others have pointed out, it's a very very difficult decision, one that often requires a year or two of research before even contacting a surgeon.

and yes, i'm one of the successes. i see some friendly faces here who are well aware of what i've gone through. and i'm delighted [and very grateful] for all their support.

if any of you are interested in learning more about this, read some of my posts on the low carb board.

but, i will not post any additional information on this thread.

call me what you will, but it is very disrespectful to those of us who have chosen this route. and we've suffered enough disrespect.

[debkay]

I have been very hesitant to post on this thread, but since my weight-loss-surgery sister Jiff posted, I felt I needed to finally break my silence.

I too, wish this discussion were not under "fitness scams" it does not belong here. The decision to have weight loss surgery is a long and difficult one. Most of us that have the surgery are battle scared from the years of yo-yo dieting. You cannot just walk into a surgeons office and say I want weight loss surgery, it is a process. It is a process for a good reason, this is not a cure all, it is a tool. If you abuse your tool you will not lose weight. Yes, that's right, you can eat around this. One example is grazing all day long, you take in too many calories and you gain.

So many people think WLS is an easy out, well I'm here to tell you it isn't. I must admit, I too thought WLS was an easy out, until I really started doing my research. Having WLS was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my life and I did not make it in a minute or two.

I just wish this topic were someplace other than "fitness scams."

Debbie

[MrsJim]

I'll have to ask Suzanne 3FC if we can move this thread.

The situation here is that the person who initially started this thread posted it (for whatever reason) in the Fitness Scams forum. I'm unsure myself exactly WHERE this topic should be placed - as WLS is not really a 'diet plan' so it wouldn't go under that.

I've moved this thread to "Dieting with Health Problems".

[MamaJ]

Mrs. Jim ~ Thanks so much for moving this thread. Hopefully as it is no longer under Fitness Scams others will feel more comfortable replying.

Thanks Bunbun, Jiffy and DebKay. I think your shared personal stories offer realistic and good information for others who may be considering any type of weight loss surgery. As well as demonstrating that those who may be considering the procedures are not doing so as an easy fix it plan.

Janice

[Dawnajoy]

I am so glad to see this subject addressed here, and surprised too. I can't believe it was here and I didn't know about it.

I had duodenal switch (DS) surgery on in April 01, and have lost about 140 lb. My diabetes is long gone, blood pressure has stabilized, renal function has improved, back pain has improved, asthma has improved.

I can walk without pain and without becoming short of breath. I can run. I exercise regularly, either water aerobics, bike riding or taekwondo.

I eat a healthy diet, high in protein, limited carbs, a varied diet including vegetables, fruits and whole grains. I have no food intolerances.

Is weight loss surgery the answer for everyone? Of course not! But for some people, it is the answer. The choice, for me, was not between a healthy but overweight body versus wanting to be thin. It was between the very serious health issues brought on by weight versus the hope of improved quality of life.

No one wants to be "the one" undergoing weight loss surgery who dies, or who has major complications, but anyone considering any weight loss surgery has to look realistically at the facts. The risks are there. Trust me, it is not taking the easy way out.

I am a single parent. I was terrified at the thought of dying during surgery or as a result of it, and leaving my children. But, for me, the future without weight loss surgery was that I would one day within the next few years have probably died, possibly in their presence. I didn't want that either.

To say "people should just eat right and exercise", is simple, or maybe simplistic. It should work that way but often doesn't. I hung around the WW100 list and the 3FC boards and other WW and diet arenas for several years, long enough to see many people try desperately to lose - but very few make real progress. Do I think these people were unmotivated. No way. Do I think they just didn't care enough. Again, no way. These people hung in there, picked themselves up and started again and again, and often had many many good months in a row before another crash. These are not "lazy" people. These are not people who don't know they dynamics of food choice and exercise. I can't begin to explain why it doesn't work (for some people) in reality the way it should in theory, I only know it to be truth, from what I have seen. (Just my opinion, however, one my weight loss surgeon and considerable data seem to support). For the record, again, I am not talking about people with 20, 30 or even 60 lb to lose, but those with well over 100 lb to lose.

Even a year prior to my weight loss surgery, I was absolutely set against it. I was horrified when my best friend chose to have wls (she had RNY). But when the time was right, for me, when I knew I had done all I could with diet and exercise, and my health was continuing to decline, I made the choice I felt was right for me. After months of research. Not something I jumped into lightly.

I think you will find that most people who undergo WLS do so for health reasons versus reasons of appearance. I think that may be the part that some do not understand.

Dawna

[jiffypop]

and welcome to this forum.

no, i'm not the moderator, just someone who has some definite opinions and really wants this BRAND NEW, THREE-DAY OLD forum to offer some real options for those of us who have had, or are thinking about, wls.

so, go ahead. start up a few threads.

[fullhouse]

I have a few questions for those who have experience d the various types of WLS. What kind of an incision do you have? How long before you were up and around? Went back to work? Were allowed to exercise? How did you find a surgeon that would do this?

[ageoldie]

Fullhouse: I feel like I'm an (what's the word they use for wemen who have a baby for someone else? )subsitute patient, as my DH Alvin had the surgery and I have been with him every step of the way. He had the RNY surgery and the did it laproscopically. His weight before surgery was 577 pounds. His surgeon was upfront and told him that he had never tried to do the LAP surgery on anyone his size, but would try to do it. If he ran into problems during the procedure, he would revert to the open method. Well he was in surgery for about 6 hours, but he had the surgery on Friday and came home frome the hospital on Tuesday and was back at work part time on Friday. He has about 5 inch long incisions that did not evern require stitches, and are now completely healed. So basically the answer to your question is that it depends on the type of surgery you decide on and the surgeon.

As to how to find a surgeon, Alvin's PCP refered him to this doctor, but other than that, I'd call your local hospital help line.

Hope this helps some.

[Dawnajoy]

Hi all,

About the scar, depends if you have surgery open or laparoscopically. I had mine open, as I had several previous abdominal surgeries and I felt it would be the safest option for me. The DS can be done either open or laparoscopically.

If you do a search for weight loss surgery on any search engine, you should get a lot of information.

For a list of surgeons who do the duodenal switch, and an explanation of that procedure, try www.duodenalswitch.com which has some easily understandable information.

As for recovery time, whether you have a lap or open surgery will make a difference. Lap should be faster to recover from.

My own experience with this surgery was that it took a full eight weeks to recover. I did not have any complications, but the recovery was still difficult. It is major surgery, and those who would qualify for it are obviously not at the optimal health or weight to be undergoing surgery, but I was prepared ahead of time for this and I never regretted me decision for a moment.

Dawna

[jiffypop]

dawnajoy shared her experience with the open duodenal switch, and now it's my turn with the roux n y bypass. done laparascopically.

i was rolled down the hall at 7:30 am on january 29, 2002, and the surgeon was talking to my sister at 9:30 am. the whole thing took 2 hours.

i had five teeny incisions, all neatly stapled, in a kind of half moon across my abdomen. yeah, it wasn't comfortable, but i had a pain pump. the next day, around noon, the nurse took out my IV and the catheter and told me i could walk. I WAS GONE!!!! up and down the hall, visiting my surgery buddy, getting ice. water. wandering. sitting in the lounge. ANYWHERE but bed.

and the next day, january 31, my sister showed up around 1:30 to take me home.

discharge meds included a pain pill, but i didn't need very many, and stopped them altogether after about 3-4 days. it was a little uncomfortable to sleep for the first few days, but it eased up.

i stayed quiet for about the first week, but made sure i did at least 30 minutes of walking in spurts. the one-week check up went well. and i was told to move off the clear liquids.

and to continue walking. at the 3-week checkup, i was cleared to start exercising.

i was cleared to go back to work after 6 weeks. and now, at about 4 1/2 months, the incisions look kind of like discolored paper cuts, and the discoloration is fading.

as for finding a surgeon, i would recommend checking out the american society of bariatric surgeons. www.asbs.org if someone isn't a member, that doesn't mean he's a bad surgeon, but at least these docs have continued the interest and have the qualifications.

it's a surgical specialty, and it's important to pick a surgeon with experience, and with a bariatric center, or obesity center, or an affiliation with a hospital that has an obesity program. i'm convinced that the quality of care is better in that type of facility than in a hospital where the nursing staff isn't properly trained to care for patients with this kind of surgery.

it's surprising that there are supposedly major medical centers that do not have such expertise. i was AMAZED, for example, that Yale doesn't have a program, nor does it do the surgery!!

so, go ahead,. ask more questions...

[KCS1]

I had my surgery open insision because laproscopic isn't available where I live. My scar runs about 5 inches vertical from my belly button. I am only 5 weeks PostOp and I have lost 28 lbs. I have noticed my sleep apnea has improved and I can fit into my bath tub with ease now.

I spent 6 nights in the hospital, which is common for patients who have open surgery. I think laproscopic patients stay about 3 days. I had pain when I first woke up from the 1 1/2 hr surgery. The nurse was excellent at controlling my pain. I was in ICU for 2 1/2 days, which is standard for the surgery. Pain was controlled by morphine. I developed a fever and high heart rate that was due to a reaction from the morphine. When I was moved to the surgical floor everything seemed to stink to me and make me nausous. On day 3 or 4 gas pains set in and they were horrible. Walking the halls or having my back rubbed seemed to help. After they checked my pouch for leaks, they started me on 1 oz water every hour. Then 24 hrs later I got juices and jello. Nothing tasted good at all. I developed a bladder infection from the catheter. 3 bags of antibiotics took care of that. It was nice to have that thing out! I can't tell you what it was like to have the stomach tube that they normally do, b/c I didn'thave one. Thank goodness, I wouldn't have been able to stand that. I went home on day 7. I was so happy to be home with my kids. It was so important that my husband took care of my every need until I was able to. I couldn't even wipe my own butt for a week. I slept in a recliner for 1 month. I still sleep there if I can't get comfy in bed. I feel more energized everyday! WLS is not the easy way out,if I could have lost the 150 lbs I needed to the "old fashioned way" I would have. Nothing else worked for me I had to do something that is medically proven to work for long term. For more information on WLS go to Obesityhelp.com

[Cowgirl]

The reason this is under fitness scams is because when it began I was just trying to find out more about it and wether it was a scam. If you read the very first posts you would see that. I never dreamed that it would go on so long or precipitate a whole new set of discussions. I apologise if any of you feel uncomfortable about this being where it is.

[debkay]

Actually Cowgirl we owe you a vote of thanks, without this post we may not have a WLS forum.

As WLS patients we have all run across those that do not understand wls, it's not a scam or an easy way out. The dialoge in this thread for the most part has been good. We all dismiss what we don't understand, I think this forum has given more understanding to those who "just didn't know."

Once again thank you for starting this thread.

Debbie

[Cowgirl]

I'm glad it helped all of you. I have learned a lot and even though I would not chose it for myself I have a beter understanding of those who do. Imagine my surprise when I checked in and found a whole forum built around my one little thread in search
of some answers. :eek: When I read all of your posts and realised some of you were confused as to how it got started under scams I just felt I should clear it up. I don't want anyone to be offended.:)

[pjr]

Tonight I attended the funeral of my very pretty, very obese sister-in-law. She had a gastric bypass 7 weeks ago and died Friday. She lapsed into a coma 12 days ago and never got to tell her children or anyone else goodbye. She was 48.

I'm particularly sad for so many reason but none so much as the thought that she didn't have to die in pain and agnony and she didn't have to die young. This sweet lady, like so many of us, was not in control of her eating behavior, and chose a route that seemed like a miracle answer. Dieting never even crossed her mind.

I hope her death will be a message to all who are considering having WLS to consider carefully all the data and ask yourself honestly have you truly done everything you have the power to do to reduce your weight without taking this step.

I will always be a chubby chick, I sort of know that somewhere inside. But, I will always fight this thing and even though I may always wear clothes with 2 digits in the size, thats OK. What matters is my soul, my family, my hope for the future, not the size of my butt! I would rather live this life a big girl than to take the risk. I'm sure precious Sandra would choose a very different path if she had one last choice.

[L144S]

Paula,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is awful to loose someone so young. I hope that in the weeks and months to come you can find out why she really chose to take this risk.

Although I am not a candidate for this surgery, I have to believe that there is not a single Dr or patient who does this on a whim or without serious choice. After reading Jiff and Debkay for the last 5 months, I cannot image choosing to do this without thinking it through on every angle and every risk. I think for many people that have considered it or do this, the health benefit out weighs the risk and they have tried everything under the sun.

Again I am sorry for your loss.


-L

[jiffypop]

paula, i'm so sorry to read about your sister in law. as with any surgery, this procedure is definitely not without risks, and it's performed on people who are high surgical risks to begin with.

but that's no comfort at all. it's a difficult decision to make, and even harder to lose the gamble.

please accept my heartfelt sympathies for you and your family.

[ageoldie]

Paula: I too want to add my sympathy to you and your family. My husband Alvin chose this surgery, and it was not only hard on him, but on me as well. When his doctor first told him he did not have a choice but to have the surgery if he wanted to live, I just about panicked. The only person I knew personally who had had the surgery performed, also died. She did not make it through the whole proceedure. Her heart stopped on the operating table.

I started reading magazine articles on WLS, and again, all I got was horror stories. I finally had to put everything in God's hands and let my husband make the decision himself. My job was to be as supportative as possible, whichever choice he made.

The process of making a decision, getting approved, then scheduled for surgery took about 18 months, then another 6 months until the actual surgery date. During this time his overall health was getting worse and worse, even though he was doing everything he could to loose weight on his own.

At 577 pounds, he was the largest person his doctor had every done the RNY lap surgery on. He was in the operating room over six hours. He was one of the lucky ones. He is doing great.

His surgery was on 4/19/02 and already he has a life again. Was it hard on me, as an innocent bystander ??? You bet, but it was his decision, and one he had to make on his own.

Even in your sorrow, do not blame your SIL for the decision she made. Knowing what I have learned, I'm sure she didn't just make a hasty decision. WLS is not done for cosmetic reasons, It has to be medically necessary, or the doctors will not preform it, and the insurance companies surely will not pay for it.

My thoughs and prayers are with you and your family.

[AlwaysSunny]

Hi all.
Hi all.. I've read some of your post and thought this might be a good place to start...

My name is Sherry, I live in Alpharetta, Georgia - and weight 270 pounds - 10 years ago (as through all my life) I wore a size 10 and never had a weight problem... I have a hypothyroid problem and since discovered (10 years ago) I've gained almost 120 pounds...

Now in my late 40's I've started to have several health problems - and my Dr has mentioned the stomach stapling - it was a true eye opener. I wanted to connect with others who have considered this as an option. I need input on what to do. I'm not worried about my looks, etc... and would never consider this as a way to lose weight - however, I do want to live a healthy life and truly believe that I don't overeat so much that I should weight 270...

If there is anyone out there who has had the surgery - will you please share your journey with me.

thanks,
Sherry

[jiffypop]

sherry... glad to see you... and i hope you're checking out some of the other threads in this forum. several of us have posted our stories. and feel free to start another topic if you don't see what you want.

we'll answer any and all questions to the best of our ability.

and, as of last wednesday, i've lost 123 pounds since the surgery on january 29 2002, and 220 since last september.

[Derby-Girl]

I read the article and found it interesting.
I had open RNY 3/31/01 and it saved my life!! I am now 267 lighter!! I have my life back.
I have had no problems to speak of. Before I couldn't walk 15 ft without being out of breath and now I can go 30 minutes on an EFX machine, swim 2 miles and do water aerobics for 1 hour 5 days a week.
I have gone from a size 36 dress to a size 18.

Before surgery I was told I had about 5 years to live if I didn't lose weight. I had tried everything and nothing worked. I have a gentic condition that makes losing weight next to impossible. I was not a huge eater, my body had an enlongated stomach which caused me to absorb everything. My thyroid was so enlarged it had to be removed.

Do I encourage people to have this surgery??? No I don't.
But that is because I have no right to tell someone to take this step. But I will say, I would do it again in a heart beat!!

Advise.... Know your Doctor WELL!! Do a lot of research, and ask alot of questions. Make sure you feel confident in your Doctor and talk to several people who have used him. See these people in person and ask to see their before picture. Don't rely on a book of pictures provided by the Doctor. Actual seeing is believing. You can tell alot by their skin color, and attitude when you talk to them in person.

Make sure the doctor does tests before he agrees to do the surgery, I was ran through the ringer before they even let me know if I was a canidate for this surgery.

I am sorry this person had so much trouble. I think her doctor had a lot to do with it. To say this surgery is bad, is very unfair, because it does work. It is just a tool to aid in weight loss not a miracle cure. I still watch what I eat, eat protein first, then veggies, and carbs. I follow the rules... No Carbonated Beverages!! I take my vitamins, and exercise 4-5 days a week putting in 8 hours a week at the gym. I feel GREAT!!!

Derby
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