Another Gastric Bypass thread....

[JadedOne]

A woman came into the ER last night and had a bowel obstruction.
Shes been in and out of the hospital several times for the same reason.
It all started happening after her Gastric Bypass surgery, and she will likely have to deal with the unpleasant medical outcomes for the rest of her life.

Poor lady, I feel so bad for her. I asked her, and she said, if she could do it again, she wouldnt have had the surgery.

(the doctors say this problem is a direct result of the bypass)

[Purple Sage]

The doctors office I work for just had a woman come in just feeling really drug out...she had a gastric bypass 2 1/2 years ago and has lost and maintained the loss of 136 pounds. She now weighs 125. They did a lot of blood work on her and found out that she is severely malnourished because she cannot eat enough food to keep her bones and muscles strong. she has no energy and their recommendation is that she eat things like protein dense foods...energy drinks etc and try to increase her intake. She had a habit of eating very little and most of it was junk food. Sure she is skinny now but I wonder how many people who have3 surgery end up like this because they don't eat the right combination of foods. When you can only comsume 2 ounces at a time it better be protein dense and healthy.

Once again, proof that if you try to take the easy way out there will always be problems that make it NOT the easy way out.

[kimlou]

I don't think gastric.. is always an easy way out.

[KellieB]

I was in my dentist's office this morning leafing through the April 2006 issue of Family Circle magazine......

There was a FULL PAGE ad for Gastric Bypass and all it's benefits!!

It was a belt buckle done way up, and on all the buckle holes that extended past where it was buckled (demonstrating how tight the belt could now be) they had an arrow with a line pointing to a "pro" for the operation - 75 pound weight loss.....blah blah blah......

I couldn't believe it!!!

My neighbour had it done a year and a half ago - she's lost maybe 70 pounds (and it looks like she's put a few back on) - and is fairly happy - but I've lost the same by working hard and changing my lifestyle......so there!

[Sleepy]

you can have the same success at weight loss without cutting your stomach up

[Greek Godess]

Tell that to my friend her husband died on the table due to complications.
It's an eay way out with a price to pay. A high price for him an her family...

YEs it is succesful and we never hear the bad side, that people do die from this surgery, and the death rate, is a little scary!!!! IS it worth it to leave you family and kids, casue you dont want to work a little at eating some decent food. I think not.

[xTheMilkMaiden]

and I am so glad I did not do it. My daughters friends mother had this done about 5 years ago and went from 450 to 120 in about a year. Sadly she is in poor health and back up in weight. I would guess about 250..and gaining everytime I see her. I'm just so glad I decided against it..

[sabbychef]

Originally Posted by xTheMilkMaiden

and I am so glad I did not do it. My daughters friends mother had this done about 5 years ago and went from 450 to 120 in about a year. Sadly she is in poor health and back up in weight. I would guess about 250..and gaining everytime I see her. I'm just so glad I decided against it..

Dumb question. How do u gain the weight back if your stomach has been reduced to the size of a prune?

suga

[xTheMilkMaiden]

I believe you can gradually stretch it back out again.

[AllieCat0817]

It can stretch back out.

[streaker1971]

I have a friend who had it done and it hasn't been anything nice for her. She had it done about 3 years ago. Lost better than 100 lbs. and is now putting it back on. Can you believe that she said the dr. told her she could eat whatever she wanted. Just had to eat small amounts of it. But the stomach you have left can stretch just like the old one and you put weight back on. Which is what's happening to her. I have heard from nurses I know that dr.'s think in time alot these patients will end up with a bag on their side because of the surgery. Since your stomach doesn't have time to digest the food good your colon can't procees it right. Believe me I want to be thin but not like that!! I think it's an easy way out.

[sabbychef]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

It can stretch back out.

You gotta be kidding me! The body is truly an amazing instrument. What's the point of rerouting intestines and stuff, if you can gain it all back?

Might as well stay fat...or figure out a program that you can LIVE with forever.

Amazing...

suga

[VAbornGApeach]

Here we go again.............the gastric by-pass debate/bash-fest.

There is a time and place for everything, including gastric by-pass. It maynot be right for you, but perhaps it is for someone else. Low-carb maynot be right for all, but it is for some, weight watchers maynot be right for all, but it is for some. My point, and it is a simple one..........one size does not fit all.

Gastric by-pass is one of the most misunderstood weight loss tools on the planet, right up there beside low-carb.

Why are those who have chosen to have weight loss surgery said to have "taken the easy way out?" I don't understand that. What is easy about it?

[sabbychef]

Originally Posted by VAbornGApeach

Here we go again.............the gastric by-pass debate/bash-fest.

There is a time and place for everything, including gastric by-pass. It maynot be right for you, but perhaps it is for someone else. Low-carb maynot be right for all, but it is for some, weight watchers maynot be right for all, but it is for some. My point, and it is a simple one..........one size does not fit all.

Gastric by-pass is one of the most misunderstood weight loss tools on the planet, right up there beside low-carb.

Why are those who have chosen to have weight loss surgery said to have "taken the easy way out?" I don't understand that. What is easy about it?

Wow, I had no idea it sounded like it was a bash fest. I have learned something new today. I never knew folks were having problems with it... and gaining the weight back. Although one of our city council members died from complications 2 years ago after having it done.

You're right everything is NOT right for everyone. As I said before, you have to find what works for you.

suga

[streaker1971]

I don't mean to bash it but for some this is the easy way out. In the beginning. When facilities work with patients beforehand to see why they are overeating that is one thing. But when you have people gaining weight to have it done that is something totally different. I have heard of 2 cases here (live in a small town) that have gained better than 40 pounds just to have the surgery. And no counseling before or after. I have seen it on television also. A guy strapped weights under his clothes to make the weight to have the surgery. That's just not right.

[Minnas]

Originally Posted by VAbornGApeach

Here we go again.............the gastric by-pass debate/bash-fest.

There is a time and place for everything, including gastric by-pass. It maynot be right for you, but perhaps it is for someone else. Low-carb maynot be right for all, but it is for some, weight watchers maynot be right for all, but it is for some. My point, and it is a simple one..........one size does not fit all.

Gastric by-pass is one of the most misunderstood weight loss tools on the planet, right up there beside low-carb.

Why are those who have chosen to have weight loss surgery said to have "taken the easy way out?" I don't understand that. What is easy about it?

Amen sister! Amen. What's with the bashing? It is most certainly NOT the easy way out. And I wish people would educate themselves a bit before spouting off about something they clearly know nothing about. Yes, I had the surgery. And yes, I am happy I did it. I won't go into all the reasons for my decision but after years of low carbing I made the decision to have the surgery and I know it was the best decision for me. Easy way out? Please. That's just ridiculous. I had a month or so where I couldn't eat much but after that I had to focus on eating healthy and exercising just like everyone else here. The surgery is just a tool. No more, no less. A tool that I needed. I tool I am happy to have had.

And just FYI, many people who have had the surgery follow a low carb lifestyle so be careful before you go insulting people who opted for surgery as you may have more in common with them than you think. I had the surgery but lost the weight following a low carb lifestyle. Most of the people in my support group follow a similar plan. I promise you we are NOT THE ENEMY!

Oh, and one more thing, the pouch is supposed to increase in size over time so most people who are 8 month or more out are able to eat more normal sized meals. I know most people don't want to educate themselves about things that don't effect their life directly and I certainly understand that but please don't go talking about things you don't know anything about.

You know how much we low-carbers hate it when we hear the stories about Sue's uncle's sister who died of kidney disease because she did Atkins? Well, same applied for people who have had the bypass. There are risks to everything and there will always be stories about people who have died or become very ill from the surgery. But they are NOT the majority. Yes, the surgery has some serious risks but so does weighing 400 lbs. For some people losing weight isn't about getting into a size 4 but about staying alive and regaining health. I never had it that bad thank goodness but I know many, many people who have been given back their lives because of this surgery. As with everything in life, there are pros and cons, people who benefit and people who do not. So please, let's all try to practice a bit of acceptance for different choices. Our low carb choice isn't very popular so we expecially should be a little more accepting of others who make difficult or unpopular choices because they are the best choices for them.

[JulieJules34]

I really didn't see anything that could be considered bashing. I didn't realize that the stomach could stretch enough to allow for overeating so I am glad for this post. Not that I am at a point where I would be seriously considering having this surgery, but it's just good info to be aware of.

[mom2zeke]

Before I found Atkins I considered having WL surgery. Thankfully I found a WOL that seems to work for me long-term. Everyone is an individual. Some people may need the boost of the WL surgery to get them going. No matter what, you need to learn to eat in a way to sustain the loss and get healthy.

The thing to keep in mind is that there is no WL method that is proven to work long-term for most people. Most people who start a program will drop out, of the ones who stay, most will lose about 10% of their body weight. Of the successful losers, after 5 years only 5% will have sustained their loss. That's why you'll always see the disclaimer "results not typical" on ads for all weight loss programs. The statistics are dismal. Whatever an individual does that helps him/her to beat those odds - more power!!!

[sunshineinut]

I don't believe surgery is the easy way. I had a high school friend who had it and she is struggling everyday with the same questions - What am I going to eat? Am I going to stick to my LC plan or not? Am I going to exercise? Yes, she lost weight in the beginning very fast - but her consistant, every day choices is what has kept her losing ALL of her weight and keeping it off for 5 years. Every surgery - every illness - just walking down the street can get you killed - but she couldn't even walk down the street and I just can't imagine having so much to lose that you can't even move. So many people on this board are overwelmed with 20 lbs and it can't come off fast enough. Honestly, what is the difference between the surgery and the water fasting or any other low calorie extreme plan to only eat peaches or something for a month - the surgery in my opinion is better - atleast you are eating. Well, that's my two cents - she has talked to me a lot before and after and I have great sympathy and respect for her - and it is JUST as hard for her to keep her weight off as it is for any of us.

[Lisa M]

Has anyone heard any statistics on death due to complications? I'm just curious the number of healthy successes vs. deaths. A girl I went to high school with died from complications of gastric bypass.

[Tennessee]

Can you believe that she said the dr. told her she could eat whatever she wanted?

No, but I can believe she told you that so you wouldn't question her menu LOL

My sister had GBP, and believe me, it wasn't an easy way out of anything. Please keep in mind that there are people who come to a critical point in their lives when it's either loose a huge amount fast or die, and for them, a surgical intervention may be warranted. I do wish that physicians who have no regard for patient outcomes were not doing it.

[AllieCat0817]

The whole thing is sad.
*the fact that it may be the easy way out for some who never learn proper eating habits and return to the same thing and blow right back up
*the fact that many may be malnourished and be very ill because of it
*the pain and hardship of recovery
*feeling hopeless like there's no other way out

All of it's sad.

[jem51]

surgery per se is not at all easy but many who go there see a few weeks of discomfort as way easier than a life without 'whatever' they want to eat. yes, it is misunderstood; by the pt, by the docs who recommend it and by the surgeons who perform it. i say this because no one really forsees the complications. and they are numerous. we hear about deaths and malnutrition more than we hear about the pt who is chronically blocked or nauseated. if the stomach is 'stapled' it can stretch. but true bypass is just removing most of the intestine and just reattaching way down low. that's why nothing stays in the system long. of course the complications from that surgery are the real problem. they cannot gain the weight back which is why it seems like the better choice but a person may never get a good nights sleep again, even holding a job is difficult when you are always sick.

[thn1inside]

Originally Posted by Sharis

Amen sister! Amen. What's with the bashing? It is most certainly NOT the easy way out. And I wish people would educate themselves a bit before spouting off about something they clearly know nothing about. Yes, I had the surgery. And yes, I am happy I did it. I won't go into all the reasons for my decision but after years of low carbing I made the decision to have the surgery and I know it was the best decision for me. Easy way out? Please. That's just ridiculous. I had a month or so where I couldn't eat much but after that I had to focus on eating healthy and exercising just like everyone else here. The surgery is just a tool. No more, no less. A tool that I needed. I tool I am happy to have had.

And just FYI, many people who have had the surgery follow a low carb lifestyle so be careful before you go insulting people who opted for surgery as you may have more in common with them than you think. I had the surgery but lost the weight following a low carb lifestyle. Most of the people in my support group follow a similar plan. I promise you we are NOT THE ENEMY!

Oh, and one more thing, the pouch is supposed to increase in size over time so most people who are 8 month or more out are able to eat more normal sized meals. I know most people don't want to educate themselves about things that don't effect their life directly and I certainly understand that but please don't go talking about things you don't know anything about.

You know how much we low-carbers hate it when we hear the stories about Sue's uncle's sister who died of kidney disease because she did Atkins? Well, same applied for people who have had the bypass. There are risks to everything and there will always be stories about people who have died or become very ill from the surgery. But they are NOT the majority. Yes, the surgery has some serious risks but so does weighing 400 lbs. For some people losing weight isn't about getting into a size 4 but about staying alive and regaining health. I never had it that bad thank goodness but I know many, many people who have been given back their lives because of this surgery. As with everything in life, there are pros and cons, people who benefit and people who do not. So please, let's all try to practice a bit of acceptance for different choices. Our low carb choice isn't very popular so we expecially should be a little more accepting of others who make difficult or unpopular choices because they are the best choices for them.

Very well said, Sharis!

I, too, felt the same way as many of the poster here until I found myself in a position to where I AM CONSIDERING having GB surgery also. In my mind it WAS the easy way out, until I began to educate myself on the facts about GB surgery. I am searching day in and day out, looking left and right for all of the aspects of WLS. The good, the bad and the indifferent issues surrounding WLS.

I have come to learn that most people who make all the comments that are more negative about GB/WLS (Physicians included) are generally uneducated about the whole topic.

And as far as those who "KNOW" someone who has died or "KNOW" someone who has gained their weight back or "KNOW" someone who have had complications/malnutritions.....YES those are true realities of having WLS.

But do know that for every person you have heard about in a negative lite....during my research I have heard from, read about and talked to hundreds of thousands that have had success from GB/WLS. Most of them view their lives as being one of "rebirth". Point being as someone else here said, there are good and bads to everything in life!


Cassandra
(who is going back into lurkmode now)

[friedweiners]

my sister has had 2 gastric bypasses, if you can believe it. she wanted a 3rd and was on the operating table and they had to close her up because there was too much scar tissue. she lied to the dr. and told him that she only had one. she figured out she could eat lying down and then the food would not come back up. she is a mess. her hair is nasty dry and brittle and she has very little of it. she now is so fat that she can't walk at all. i don't know why she would even think about having another operation since the first two were failures for her. we are all fat in my family and only she has had the operations. it is really really sad.

[AllieCat0817]

That is so so so sad.

[sunset]

One of my friends had her G.B. done 4 years ago. She was never right after it, she always felt tired. She went from 400lbs to 130 in about a year and a half. Last May she was suppose to go out with her DH but didn't feel well. He later went to check on her and she went to get out of the chair and fell and just died. It was very sad she left 3 school age kids and her husband. When we dicsussed her surgery she said she was stuck in a bad situation. Being fat would kill her and she knew she wasn't going to live along life after her G.B.

[LStoner]

It's not for everyone, but I won't bash it. I know it has helped a lot of people without ill effects. I was six days away from surgery and didn't go through with it. I started LCing and am so happy that I'm losing. 43 pounds in 3 1/2 months and counting. I'm glad I decided to give myself another chance before going through with WLS. Now I don't even qualify for surgery which is amazing to me. For the first time I feel like I've discovered the secret to losing weight and I believe I can keep going and never look back.

[ChristineC68]

I think with anything that sounds radical there will be a lot of misconceptions. How many people think Atkins is a no carb program? And just like with any tool/program/surgery people choose to lose weight it will need to be a lifestyle change and not considered a patch or a quick fix -- this can applied to low carb, low fat, or WLS - if you do not stay on plan you will gain weight.

I know a couple of people that had the surgery and it was not easy for them at all but they are committed to the lifestyle and are now at a healthier weight and are able to live a more active lifestyle and now have quality of life.

[Itsanewme]

Originally Posted by Tennessee

No, but I can believe she told you that so you wouldn't question her menu LOL

My sister had GBP, and believe me, it wasn't an easy way out of anything. Please keep in mind that there are people who come to a critical point in their lives when it's either loose a huge amount fast or die, and for them, a surgical intervention may be warranted. I do wish that physicians who have no regard for patient outcomes were not doing it.

I too had GBP surgery about 3 1/2 years ago. I researched this for over 18 months before I decided to "take the easy way out". I had uncontrollable high blood pressure, couldn't walk more than one flight of steps without being out of breath and my quality of life was non existent. It was one of the best decisions of my life. Yes, I could have died during the surgery (is this easy way out part?) but I was slowly dying every day. I had tried diet pills, every diet known to man and prayer. This was my last chance. Would I recommend it to anyone else who is overweight? Nope! That's a choice everyone has to make for themselves. Would I do it again? Every year if I had to. I'm now thin, healthy and active. Everyone has heard of the sad, sick post ops. Those are the people who for the most part are non compliant. I have to take extra vitamins and more protein then "normal" people. That is not exactly a hardship to me. Some people do have complications but for the most part these can be avoided if the person follows the program of vitamins and protein. More people die of obesity related complications then from GP. Yes, I can gain weight but it is harder because my stomach is smaller so it's hard to overeat in one meal. Of course there are people who will regain some weight. I went into this surgery knowing what I had to do to make it work and I feel like I'm a success. I just wish that people wouldn't look at this as a moral decision and make judgments about it without getting all the facts. I made an informed choice to improve my health.

OK, I'm now stepping down off my soapbox

Mary