Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

A good friend of mine just got it. He had tried many different diets for years. To date he has lost 80 lbs. It was definately in his best interest to have the surgery. The weight was causing health related problems. I am definately for it.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

If the person has tried all their other options and failed, then I see no reason why they shouldn't. Regardless of how it's done, they're improving their overall health.

Message edited 7/11/2008 9:13:00 AM.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I think it needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

I worked in a sleep disorders clinic for about 6 months a couple of years ago and we had a lot of patients coming in for sleep tests before their gastric bypass or LAP band surgery. Many of these people had horrible sleep apena and would stop breathing 100's of times a night. Not to mention diabetes, gerd, and a zillion other heath problems.

I was friendly with one of the psychiatrists on staff and one day asked his opinion of the surgery. While he agreed that for some it is a life saver for others it was like putting a band aid on a much larger psychological problem. He felt like patients should have to confront why they have gotten this big and what compels them to eat this way. Many of our patients were "super obese" with bmi's over 60 and also had histories of anxiety, depression, insomnia , and sadly sexual abuse.

I do think that the surgery has saved and changed lives for the better but I do think that for many patients therapy and surgery should go hand and hand.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

In order for me to have my surgery and get approved for it by my insurance company, I had to go for a psychological evaluation. I also had to go for consultations with a nutritionist before and after surgery to make sure I would be able to comply with what my new nutritional needs would be.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

My best friend father died from complications of gastric bypass surgery (sepsis) in 2002. HOWEVER- he was a high risk patient to begin with-hypertension, diabetes, etc.

To this day, my friend holds NO ill will toward the surgery. She says he would have died regardless, whether it be from overeating, complications of obesity, or complications from surgery.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

who am I to have an opinion one way or another?

who am I to think that a person even gives a rats *** if I "respect" them or not for having surgery?

I don't even kid myself to think my opinions carry that much weight (pardon the pun).

the only way I would have an opinion is if *I* was in the position to get the surgery or not.

Please that's really all I can think to do...what an arse.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I agree that it's not my place to judge anyone else's situation or personal decision so I can only talk about myself.

For me, surgery is/was/will never be an option.

I had lost 100 lbs a few years ago and put most of it back on subsequently. I was contemplating lap band surgery but decided to give it just one more go and I am SO glad I did. Just a bit over a year later I have lost all that I had re-gained and then some. I KNOW what it is like to try, and try and try again and fail. I also know what it is like to be successful and let it slip away in the blink of an eye. Diet and exercise is right for me because my mind has had the time to catch up with my body. I feel like I am the healthiest and strongest I have ever been and I look forward to it just getting better and better. I like being able to eat what like without complications. I like watching my body slowly transform into the person I have always wanted to be. I like the fact that I am successful because I KNEW I could do this. But that's just me.

I think the most important thing we have in this life is health. If you don't have that you don't have much at all. It is not my place to judge how one achieves this. It's just important that we all do!

"The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive."

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I think it's an unfair assessment that people who have the surgery have taken a short cut. My MIL had a lap band put in right about the same time that Lisa had her surgery (she posted earlier in this thread). The procedures are different but the end result is supposed to be the same - you change your LIFESTYLE and you lose weight. Lisa put in the hard work and was rewarded with her results - she looks fantastic!

My MIL did not. Yes, she eats less/different foods but she didn't really overeat to begin with. She did not exercise. My SIL offered to give her a treadmill, she refused it. She is just as inactive now as she's ever been. She lost 20lbs immediately after the surgery but that's all. And in the 3.5 years since then, I'm pretty sure she's gained it back and is right where she started.

The surgery isn't a short cut, it's a jump start. But if you want to reach your goal, you have to work at it.

(Lisa- sorry to use you as an example but you two did have the surgery the same month and I'll always remember that!)

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I think that anyone who does whatever they need to do for their health and to prolong their life deserves to be commended.

As for GBS, I don't think someone wakes up and says, I'd like to lose 20, I should get GBS. Its for people whose health have become life threatening. I just don't this surgery is a first resort for anyone.

So if you life is theatened, and a surgery can help, why wouldn't you have it? I also believe that for the vast majority of people who have this surgery diet and excersize was not successful.

Message edited 7/11/2008 11:39:07 AM.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I 100% support it.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

Would anyone recommend their doctor? I'm seriously considering this surgery but want to ensure I'm in the right/capable hands.

Would love recs.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I have never ever understood why anyone would CARE about HOW someone goes about losing weight!!!

It's not an easy fix. It's not fun. We all know this.

YES I think its great when someone changes their lifestyle to become healthier...by whatever means that is!!

I think whenever someone chooses to become healthier by whatever means they are capable, it is to be lauded. Just like quitting smoking or becoming sober...we would never think to look down on anyone for using a nicotine patch or going to AA. Why are people so quick to judge gastro surgery? Baffles my mind.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

As someone who watched Sharon go through the surgery I can tell you in no way did she take the easy way out.

Prior to her surgery, I didn't feel Sharon needed the surgery. I didn't feel she was qualified for the surgery (ie large enough for it or had the BMI for it but what do I know). But I supported her for what she needed to do for herself.

I saw Sharon in the hospital after her surgery and she was in so much pain (from the surgery and from listening to her roommate ) Having had 2 c-sections, I can tell you she was in far more pain than I was with the sections.

For months Sharon could not eat without vomiting. I remember us taking the girls out to Friendly's. Sharon had a dry salad, a bowl of soup and a couple (Like 2) spoonfuls of ice cream and even that made her vomit twice. I talked to her many times and it seemed like forever after the surgery she vomited almost everytime she ate and it was NOT from over eating, it was effects from the surgery. I remember many conversations with her about it. I, as her friend, was very concerned that something had went wrong with the surgery because it was constant and I was afraid of the long terms effects on her throat and teeth. But it seems this was a tough side effect and normal from the surgery.

Sharon had a long recovery period and having seen her scar I can only image how difficult it was for her to move since you are cut lengthwise and with a c-section your are cut width wise.

Sharon did not take the easy way out by any means she suffered for so long as she describes with her weight that it weighed her down as a person and in her life. She was not able to see the beautiful person that I as her friend already saw. She needed this to become the butterfly that she is today. She has become a much stronger person physically and emotionally from it but there was a lot of suffering to get to that point. She definitely paid her dues.

I commend her for being brave enough to save her life both for her and for her little girl.

Sorry Sharon to make this about you,but yo are my only reference to how hard this surgery is

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

The lap band and gastric bypass surgeries are vastly different procedures that yield different results. The band is adjustable depending on the person's needs. The bypass is a much more permanent and invasive procedure. Usually, the bypass will yield a greater weight loss. Each patient has to evaluate which procedure is best for them. When they have a consultation with a surgeon, that surgeon should, in theory, present all options as well as risks and future risks of both procedures.

Message edited 7/11/2008 1:58:17 PM.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I agree with those who said it's none of our business. We don't tell people who wear contacts or get beauty treatments done that they didn't come by their looks "on their own" or "by themselves". People seek self help in various ways.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

My SIL did it (the gastric band). She ate terribly before that, never exercised etc. Had the surgery, lost weight still doesn't exercise and still eats terribly...yet brags all the time that she "lost another 5 lbs" Way to go to make an effort.

eta - I do applaud some people for doing it (Sharon for example) because Sharon keeps up with it and I'm sure has a positive outlook. But some others don't.

Message edited 7/11/2008 2:33:36 PM.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

Posted by Jamie

As someone who watched Sharon go through the surgery I can tell you in no way did she take the easy way out.

Prior to her surgery, I didn't feel Sharon needed the surgery. I didn't feel she was qualified for the surgery (ie large enough for it or had the BMI for it but what do I know). But I supported her for what she needed to do for herself.

I saw Sharon in the hospital after her surgery and she was in so much pain (from the surgery and from listening to her roommate ) Having had 2 c-sections, I can tell you she was in far more pain than I was with the sections.

For months Sharon could not eat without vomiting. I remember us taking the girls out to Friendly's. Sharon had a dry salad, a bowl of soup and a couple (Like 2) spoonfuls of ice cream and even that made her vomit twice. I talked to her many times and it seemed like forever after the surgery she vomited almost everytime she ate and it was NOT from over eating, it was effects from the surgery. I remember many conversations with her about it. I, as her friend, was very concerned that something had went wrong with the surgery because it was constant and I was afraid of the long terms effects on her throat and teeth. But it seems this was a tough side effect and normal from the surgery.

Sharon had a long recovery period and having seen her scar I can only image how difficult it was for her to move since you are cut lengthwise and with a c-section your are cut width wise.

Sharon did not take the easy way out by any means she suffered for so long as she describes with her weight that it weighed her down as a person and in her life. She was not able to see the beautiful person that I as her friend already saw. She needed this to become the butterfly that she is today. She has become a much stronger person physically and emotionally from it but there was a lot of suffering to get to that point. She definitely paid her dues.

I commend her for being brave enough to save her life both for her and for her little girl.

Sorry Sharon to make this about you,but yo are my only reference to how hard this surgery is

Message edited 7/11/2008 2:54:35 PM.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

Message edited 7/11/2008 2:52:04 PM.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I have respect for anyone who makes a decision to take action to become a healthier person, no matter which decision that is.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery

I don't think it is anyones right to judge what warrants more respect

everyone is different and everyone chooses their options for different reasons.

Re: what are your thoughts about this..re: gastric bypass surgery