weight loss surgery - Page 2

BethInBoston · 06-26-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mloverstreet

She had some complications post surgery too. The cuff didn't properly inflate after surgery so she went, like, three or four weeks without seeing any noticeable difference in her stomach capacity. Eventually, she switched docs and they realized her cuff had virtually no saline in it. Once that was remedied, she began losing weight. Even with the properly inflated cuff, she still has to exercise to see any weigh tloss.

Just my response to this -

it is normal to NOT have your band filled for the first 6 weeks after surgery...your stomach is adjusting to having the band there. It can take between 2-4 or more fills before you get good restriction. I was able to eat normally after surgery (well a month out, I was on liquids for 6 weeks total)...but after getting a couple fills, I am only able to eat about a cup of food at a time.

Second - you should exercise no matter what surgery you have! Exercise is KEY to weight loss, good health, raising your metabolism, etc. I am training in a triathlon this summer and would have never been able to do this prior to my surgery.

There is no easy way out, no quick fix, even with weight loss surgery. My band is a tool that I use to control my hunger, but I am still responsible for what I put in my mouth.

I have actually heard of many people who had the gastric bypass who then gained all the weight back...YOU need to learn to change your eating and exercise habits...this is JUST a tool.

mloverstreet · 06-26-2008, 08:28 PM

I totally get where you're coming from about WLS being a tool. At the same time, though, I think my friend's issue is that her surgeon (and all the references she contacted) talked up WLS like it was some heavenly panacea that would change her life.

I had the same reaction about questioning the need to fill her band so quickly after surgery, but her first surgeon was gung-ho on filling it up. By the time she switched docs, she was 4 weeks post-op. Her new doc went ahead and continued increasing the fill on her band. I often wonder if her weight loss issues aren't tied to crappy medical care.

At any rate, she now realizes she should have weighed the benefits against the negatives. In her situation, lap-band may not have been the best choice. For others, it may be just what they need to take control of their health.

tiffanyleigh614 · 06-26-2008, 09:04 PM

thanks everyone for the input you have. i can't remeber who posted this question but i have been obsese for about 5 years. i was always a small child growing up.. then started my period in 5th grade and it was then the weight just started coming out of nowhere.. i remember a friend one summer said gosh i gained 3 pounds this summer, i feel awful. and i was like hah i wish thats all i gained.. i gained like 60 in just a few months. and i'm not a big eater, i mean i know i may not eat the proper things i should. i do have a sweet tooth, but i eat the same or less amount as my friends and they're all small.
i think i'm going to put the WLS on hold for now and try a few more diets, i just don't want to wait then end up deciding to do it again because it isn't a short process. for you ladies who have posted about gastric bypass, how did you afford it? my insurance covers 80% on lapband and i think on gastic bypass too. BUT the 20% insurance doesnt pay how do you work that out? do you have to pay it all up front, can you appeal it too, do payments? just wut do you do. thanks to everyone who took out the time to write me back and share your experiences

goddess819 · 06-27-2008, 12:06 AM

Tiffany - You may want to talk to your surgeon & hospital about working out the 20% that isn't covered. Some may allow you to make payments others may want the cash in full. If you're interested in trying some other diets...you might as well start seeing a physician monthly for weight checks just in case in the future your insurance wants proof you did a 'physician supervised diet'...you could be killing 2 birds with one stone.

And I second what Beth said. Be it lapband, DS, VSG or RNY any form of WLS is a tool. I know people who've had both lapband & RNY and have gained weight back. I refuse to. I use my tool correctly still and am responsible for what goes in my mouth. I refuse to go through all this (surgery stuff) to loose weight, become unresponsible for what I eat and then get fat again.

Good luck in what ever you decide. And of course if you have more questions please feel free to drop by the WLS Divas thread on the buddies forum.

BethInBoston · 06-27-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mloverstreet

I totally get where you're coming from about WLS being a tool. At the same time, though, I think my friend's issue is that her surgeon (and all the references she contacted) talked up WLS like it was some heavenly panacea that would change her life.

I had the same reaction about questioning the need to fill her band so quickly after surgery, but her first surgeon was gung-ho on filling it up. By the time she switched docs, she was 4 weeks post-op. Her new doc went ahead and continued increasing the fill on her band. I often wonder if her weight loss issues aren't tied to crappy medical care.

At any rate, she now realizes she should have weighed the benefits against the negatives. In her situation, lap-band may not have been the best choice. For others, it may be just what they need to take control of their health.

Yeah, it's weird that your friend's surgeon gave her a fill so quickly. My doctor refused to touch mine until I was 6 weeks out and then gave me a tiny fill (like .25 ccs)...it was nothing! Your body is still recoviering and healing from a major surgery in the first 6 weeks. So that may have been the problem.

The band has taken some getting used to and has been trial and error. I've learned to adjust and I know what I can eat and what I can't...

Thanks for your input though! :-)