weight loss surgery?

SouthmoorePrnces · 07-13-2006, 04:40 AM

Whats everyones thought on weight loss surgery? Ive tried a lot of different diets, and exercize, and it seems that nothing I do helps. Im starting to think maybe this would be the best option. Has anyone had it and if so what are your thoughts on it? If you havent had it what are your thoughts as well please?

JennaBC · 07-13-2006, 04:46 AM

Dh had weight loss surgery about 4 years ago...And I'll tell you it's hard work...If he didn't really watch it...he could gain back every pound he lost.

The surgery is a very effective tool to losing weight but it is just that....a tool.

You are still faced with a complete life change that can be really harsh....

ToLuvaCoastie · 07-13-2006, 04:59 AM

I had my surgery done 11/30/05, it's the hardest thing I have ever done but I would not change a second of it. Obesityhelp.com has alot of great info and lots of members who are preop and post op.

ibcnuldu · 07-13-2006, 05:40 AM

My mother had a gastric band procedure about 4 years ago. She lost about 40 pounds originally without changing her diet. But, the area around her band became infected (there were many other issues as well) but her health has never been the same. She has recently put back on the weight. She never really changed how she ate or exercised.

This fall she is having gastric bypass surgery. This is a much more extreme procedure than the first one she had done.

Like JennaBC said though, it is just a tool. Unless you really change your lifestyle it can hurt you. I personally feel you should only use it as a very last resort because I've seen my mother be hospitalized 3 times because of her first surgery.

penguinlover · 07-13-2006, 03:16 PM

If you can change your way of thinking and eating after having the surgery, why can't you change it before having surgery and avoid surgery all together?

I believe the surgery was meant for only those whose life is threatened because they are extremely obese. I believe way too many people are having this surgery who could have done something. They are making it look like a change-all solution for everyone on television which is not true.

sheila32 · 07-13-2006, 04:06 PM

To be honest I know a few people who have had this surgery and all of them have some sort of health problems. Two that i know have severe problems and they rest are having minor problems.
My best friend had surgery 5 yrs ago she was about 320 lbs now i think she weighs 150. Her hubby goes for lap band beginning of aug. She does have problems with headaches now and keeping her potassium up. Her mother had the surgery and lost alot also now she has some stomach issues. Both have alot of excess skin that their ins. wont pay to have removed.
If you decide to have it done do you research. I think the wieghtloss clinics are the best since they specialize. All the people i know didnt use the weightloss clinics.

Janeesa1 · 07-13-2006, 04:24 PM

I had gastric bypass almost 3 years ago and let me tell you, it is HARD WORK. From staying on the diet to maintaining your weight, it's all hard. It is not a dream cure-all like it is portrayed. I weighed 360 pounds, lost down to 180, and I've gained back 50 pounds. I am a firm, FIRM believer that obesity is 90% emotional and I feel like this is what I should have focused on first then had the surgery. It doesn't cure emotional eating and after a year or two, you can eat as much as you did before. Honestly, I'm not sure I would do it again. Some days I would, some I wouldn't. Learn as much as you can, weigh all your options and make a decision that is best for you and no one else.

BethV · 07-13-2006, 04:42 PM

I've known 9 people who have had various types of bariatric surgeries, and all but one have gained most or all of their weight back. My cousin is the worst. She had most of her stomach and part of her small intestine removed. She went from 425 to 150, with the Dr's estimating that she had 30 lbs of loose skin. She couldn't get insurance to approve the surgery to remove the excess skin. This was 9 years ago. She is now at 450 lbs, and the Dr says that her stomach is now stretched paper thin.

Even Al Roker is gaining weight again. I agree with Penguinlover. If you can discipline yourself to eat several small meals a day after surgery, why not try it before? It's a very drastic and non-reversible step that will have a major impact on you for the rest of your life.