Buy Walking VideosThe Gastric Bypass Diet
She was angry. The health insurance wouldn’t pay for a gastric bypass surgery for her. I was standing on the other side of her desk with no health insurance benefits and unable to find a company that would insure my husband and me for less than $700 a month and she was complaining because hers wouldn’t cover gastric bypass surgery. I just wanted something that would pay for my husband’s expensive asthma medication that kept him alive and she was considering the same surgery that almost killed her brother.
Thinking about gastric bypass surgery? Try following the diet for a couple of weeks and see if you like it:
- You can eat no more than 2 ounces of anything at a time.
- After you eat, you must wait two hours before you can eat again.
- Liquids count in that 2 ounce figure.
- If you eat more than 2 ounces in a sitting, a big man with a bad attitude will pummel you in the stomach for at least thirty minutes, and maybe as long as an hour. Or at least that’s how it will feel.
- Some foods will make you sick. You don’t get to choose. It might be your favorite food on earth, but you won’t be able to eat it anymore… for the rest of your life.
- Sometimes you will get heart palpitations (called “dumpingâ€), even if you only eat one bite of food. You don’t get to control when this happens.
- Speaking of bites of food, you’ll have to cut your food up into miniscule pieces. Just get used to it. If you swallow anything bigger, you end up “dumping†or that big guy will come punch you in the stomach for a few hours.
Think you can follow that diet? You haven’t seen the huge guy I hired to make sure you follow it. And that’s only if you survive the surgery (1 out of 200 die within 30 days of the surgery). Maybe you’ll never get those side effects, but there is no guarantee. It’s a crap shoot with your health. Even worse, you might survive the surgery and be able to live through the diet, but you never dealt with the issues that made you fat in the first place, so you’ll be one of the lucky 15 percent of people who gain all the weight back and more.
Considering all that, I think her health insurance did her a favor. Lucky girl…
Prevention.com – Life After Gastric Bypass: The Surprising Real Story – by Dorothy Foltz-Gray
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November 25th, 2006 at 10:42 am
Hi Laura I have just found this post and in essence could not agree more. However for a small group of people the procedure is literally life saving and provided a really detailed counselling has taken place, the procedure certainly has a place. BUT as a last ditch procedure after all other avenues are exhausted, and lots and lots of discussion on the psychological aspects of life threatening obesity.
Anyone even thinking of this needs lots of genuine information and correct professional advise.
Thomas
December 19th, 2006 at 8:12 am
I have just finished reading this article and cannot sit quietly. Although the information regarding the diet, dumping and some discomfort is correct, the statistics are archaic at best. The statistics so carelessly submmitted in the previous article include the complete evolution of bariatric surgeries dating back to the 1950’s. These figures also include the money grubbing general surgeons who tried to jump on the bandwagon to make the quick buck. (this is still largely a cash procedure) And these surgeons did so with little or no training, operating while literally looking at a book! The key to this, and any other surgery, is to do your homework. You, the patient, must seek out a reputable Doctor that works within a program that includes psychologists, dieticians, and physical therapists. One that has a support group in place so the patient can discuss among themselves the all the ups and downs of this procedure. Then the patient has a network from which to glean information. As for the addressing the issues that got them overweight in the first place?…. well, that could include many, and I won’t begin to go into them. But never believe for a minute that it doesn’t address the issues that cause people to be overweight. It most certainly does. Through the program, the patient is taught his or her new lifestyle. The surgery is a tool that helps the person live that lifestyle. He or she must adhere to the guidelines or face the consequences. Its no different than a cancer patient smoking while going through radiation and chemo. Bottom line…. yes you have to be held accountable. But this program coupled with surgery allows the patient a healthy base from which to start his new life. And though the patient can gain all his weight back…and more!…. he will be get to experience the joy of weight loss and good health and be given every opportunity to stay healthy. And then only his own gross misconduct will put him back to where he was. As for those “TERRIBLE” discomforts the above author spoke of?…… yes they exist. but the pain and discomfort are temporary. Would you trade your carbonated sodas for a better quality of life? Give up hamburgers if your blood pressure was normal. Would you pass on your favorite restaurant if you no longer had to take medicine for diabetes. Would you settle for smaller amounts if you knew it added years to your life. Let me add this note; I am not a doctor. I am a crane operator from East Texas. I did not want this surgery and only after exhaustive research dr appts with three different types of doctors, after studying the pros and cons of bariatric surgery (including banding and stapling) I chose by-pass. I was told by my doctors (none of which were bariatric surgeons) that this procedure was the best overall solution for my ailments. I will have mine on the 27th of December 2006. And believe me when I say I look forward to it. So if you are a prospective patient read the facts talk to those who have had it…talk to a lot so you will get the big picture, then make your own decision. And don’t let anyone sway you with false statistics and scary stories. One more note….. by the authors own statistics he shows an 85% success rate….not bad!
Galen Russell 12/19/06
December 19th, 2006 at 11:26 am
All I’m saying is that if you’re willing to give up carbonated sodas and hamburgers for a better quality of life, save yourself the money, discomfort and aggravation of surgery and just eat healthy now. Don’t force yourself to eat unhealthy by screwing up your body.
Your body is perfect the way it is. Treat it with respect.
December 19th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
First of all, I apologize for writing the article I wrote this morning. If I had only known what this website was about I would have written something totally different. Although the basic thread of the message is the same it would have been more in-depth. How in the world, can you put together a website about health issues when you yourselves have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. In the small posting I read and responded to, Laura Moncour, showed her boundless ignorance on the subject of bariatric surgery. I am about to have a gastric by-pass and was googling the bypass diet when I saw what I thought was a response to an article on the surgery. I, of course, replied hoping to shed some light on this misinformed soul. After doing this I was both amazed and appalled by the fact the the woman in question actually ran the website! A website devoted to health, fitness, and weight loss. These two people are spouting advice on health issues relying on nothing but their own opinion! If Mr Michael and Ms Laura will print this I beg of you dear reader to read the whole website. Of their own accord, they tell you they have no training. They rely on no research other than their own life experiences and what basically amounts to water cooler gossip. No training whatsoever! This woman goes to a Weight Watchers meeting, loses some weight and becomes a health expert? The article she wrote (and later stood behind) is grossly inaccurate. What the Moncurs are doing is tantamount to the money grubbing doctors I spoke of in my first posting. In one of the articles Ms Laura wrote:
“Remember, weight loss is big business and companies think we are stupid. Don’t fall for it. Just because they slap a label on something telling you that it will make you lose weight, doesn’t mean it will or that it’s good for you.”
And yet that is exactly what the Moncurs have done. Ms Laura speaks of going on Lemonade diets and calls them research, and admits to bingeing after certain other diets. Then she wants to speak against a procedure that saves lives… it is about to save mine! I wish that just a diet would work for me. But like her I have tried for years. I have quit smoking and even set aside my drinking but i can lose 50 or 60 pounds only to gain back 70. I admire her tenacity, but to think that just because she has lost weight and has a few years of successful maintenace, she is all of the sudden a health guru…..it makes as much sense as a survivor of the Titanic becoming the Captain of his own ship. If you choose to continue to use this website, please refer to the disclaimers on the front page. It basically says:
Remember, weight loss is big business and we at this website think you are stupid. Please fall for it. Just because we slap a label on something telling you that it will make you lose weight, it means it will and it’s good for you.
To the Moncurs… Will you print it? You have my personal email!
Galen Russell
December 20th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
Mr. Russell,
I don’t know your situation. If you think this surgery is going to save your life, then I hope that it truly does. I wish you the best.
I actually started this weblog to help MYSELF stay away from bingeing. Writing every day about what information I learn and my own personal feelings has helped me. If it helps anyone else, that’s icing on the cake.
Obviously, this isn’t the website for you, but I hope you find a source of inspiration that helps you live a healthy and long life.
Good luck, Laura Moncur
December 26th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
Save the pain and insurance noney! Just eat the same diet as a gastric bypass patient.
For three years now I have lost 198 lbs and I’m maintaining the weight loss with out the surgury I just eat like they do.
I AM NO LONGER DIABETIC, MY LDL IS WAY DOWN. I DO NEED TO HAVE SOME SKIN REMOVED 🙂
January 7th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I believe that making a comment such as “Don’t force yourself to eat unhealthy by screwing up your body” is the most ignorant quote I have read yet. Coming from a woman who suffered most of her childhood from obesity, I believe I have the right to speak against the quote. Not only does it affect one physically and mentally, but unfortunately it affects you socially as well,which is severly devistating in this society. Yes overweight comes from depression, laziness, and overeating, but there are involuntary circumstances as well. I personally went through the gastric bypass 6 years ago and though it was tough at first.I wouldn’t trade that little bit of so-called “suffering” for the world. The gastric bypass gave me a second chance at life. I know what it feels like to be proud of myself, to love who I am. Why deprive someone the chance to have such a beautiful thing. There does come a time when some people can’t help themselves. At this point do you just tell them “EAT RIGHT” or help those who can’t help themselves. Why have a military to protect your very life every single day? Is it any different for me to say “Just be nice to everyone, can’t we just get along”? I believe you should invest in a journal! Not post on a website that could affect someones life in a negative way. You are not counseling those who are just a few pounds over weight. You are targeting a bastric bypass group. Those who must be at LEAST 100 lbs. over weight to even be considered. As for the gentlman who lost 198 lbs. I commend you; however, was that soley by wheelpower alone, or were helped through the process in any way? By the way, you might want to get your statistics from more than 1 source because obviously as this sight has proven, not every source is educated appropriately.
January 7th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I know 3 women who have had this surgery and all of them are gaining or have gained alot of their intital weight back. One is now enrolled in Weight Watchers. The other two are just getting bigger and they are not doing anything to address the weight gain. I just think its insane to go through all that surgery and the health risk just to come back to square one. Weight Watchers, dieting and exercise. I guess there is no magic bullet. You can never sidestep or get around a proper diet and exercise, not even with surgery.
January 14th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Dear Laura,
You’re right, of course, and your critics have some reasonable points. But in general, I like your perspective better. Your website also turned up somebody (Brad) who just eats as though he had the surgery, and got the same results!
That alone makes your website a useful contribution to the discussion of gastric bypass surgery.
Brad, if you read this, write a book!
There was recently a program on one of the health-oriented cable channels called “The Action-Hero Makeover.” It featured Gil Gerard, who played Buck Rogers on television a couple of decades ago, and went from about 200 to 325 pounds.
He was predictably sicker than a dog; he had blood sugar of about 330, low heart ejections, and bad joints. He also had a profound lack of function (he had a special place on the stairs where he had to sit to put on his shoes).
The tv crew showed the sad before and the trim after, but I thought they probably ought to have shown a bit more of the pain, vomiting, and death that followed the surgery.
I’ve run into a very few folks who are digging their graves with their teeth at a quick clip, and who have recently had their first or second heart attack and diabetes.
For those folks, teetering on the edge of the abyss, who state that they will not change their behavior because they can not, gastric bypass seems like a useful, if brutal and risky, alternative.
I would like to see a less intrusive, less painful, less brutal approach to weight loss emergencies than gastric bypass. The risk of death seems pretty high for any surgery.
To be fair, my weight loss hasn’t been as heroic as that of other folks. I looked at the vacation pictures twenty years ago, asked who the fat guy standing next to my wife was, and got the predictable response.
I used an everyday combination of portion reduction and a change to eating large portions of high volume, low calorie foods like green beans prior to eating a meal. I am thankful every day that worked for me. I had only about sixty pounds to get rid of.
But it didn’t work for my kid brother, who had his second heart attack about two weeks ago, and he’s up about 100 pounds, with predictable results.
I’m torn between giving him a copy of the menus for gastric bypass surgery patients and asking him to watch the Action-Hero Makeover.
The benefit of all of that, in my opinion, is that it makes clear that when you dump the 60, 100, or 300 pounds, life is better.
Joseph McDaniel
January 14th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
p.s. I thought Laura’s suggestion that a prospective gastric bypass patient take a shot at the new diet while going through screening for the surgery. After all, if they can do it, they can always cancel the surgery.
And if it doesn’t work without the big guy hitting them in the stomach, then the surgery gets to go forward as scheduled.
But the suggestion has merit, because the post surgical diet is so restrictive, and because the benefits of following the diet will be obvious so quickly. And if Laura rescues just one person who might otherwise have died from gastric bypass, that’s probably a good thing.
And bear in mind that the complication rate is quite high. And getting enough in the way of vitamins and minerals after the surgery is not easy, and there are a decent number of malnutrition cases after the surgery.
January 14th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
p.p.s. The tip for people who have uncontrollable hunger is to eat lots of protein and green beans. The combo of protein, which is digested slowly, and something like green beans or steamed veggies, which contain lots of volume and fiber, slows the digestion process and reduces the blood sugar hills and valleys.
When I stopped eating lots of white bread and sugar and pasta, my desperate “empty the fridge directly into my mouth” hunger attacks vanished entirely.
Everybody is different, but I’m Irish, Scots, and American Indian, so I sort of get being a famine person with a strong tendency to put on fat and to load up every chance I get.
Joseph
January 27th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
I agree with what Brad is saying. The whole reason why I’m looking up info on the diet is because I want to follow it without getting the surgery. Why be forced to eat that way when you can choose? All you need is will power. And I do question those that has had the surgery whether or not they gain the weight back. I heard Randy from American Idol got the surgery, and I’m lookin at him on tv today wondering what happened.. he looks like he gained some weight back.
February 2nd, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Hi there, I’m from Ireland and had my gastric bypass in october and I dont regret it for one minute, yes its uncomfortable at times and I do miss some f the foods I use to eat but I researched this and today I’m glad I went ahead because the day I had my operation was the first day of the rest of my life in the 4 months I am 4 stone lighter and my health is improving. I do have a physiotherapist, a dietican and a phychologist which are all there for me and where there before my operation.
Fair play to all those who take a chance for a better life because having exhausted all diets my life wasnt going to get any better.
February 18th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I agree that to many doctors AND patients are requesting this surgery because of all the press hype. This is usually resolved by the patient needing documentation of at least one co-morbidity to qualify for the surgery and for insurance payment. I had mine in Aug of 2003 because I also needed two total hip replacements and my orthopedist wouldn’t give them to me unless I lost weight. How else was I to lose weight if I was unable to walk more than 10 ft. without my walker? I hope that everyone out there thinks twice before judging others that use bariatric surgery.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Not sure how I came across thia blog, but very interesting.
I had the GB Surgery in April 2003 and NEVER experienced anything negative to the surgey. I have never dumped, I have never had the big man punch me in the stomach. Now I did eat only 2 oz, but that was the point. I did exaclty like I was told for 2 years and 200 pounds lost. But then the honeymoon was over. I have gained 25 lbs back and have maintaind this weight for about 6 months now. As far as eating, well I am pretty much back to normal. My appetite is fairly good, I get full but still can eat a plate of food, I still do not like certain foods I use too, so I stay away from those.
I am joining Weight Watchers this next week, becasue I do want to take off about 30 pounds, and I feel the support is what I need. Like any other addiction, it stays with you for a lifetime and I never took the time to build the support needed to maintain my weight. Better now than never. I also recently hired a personal trainer, to get me motivated back to working out.
For me the surgery had positive affects. I have lost now 175 pounds from my highest weight, I have come off all medications, in essence it saved my life. Now I have got to give back a little and work hard to maintain it.
I guess what I am saying is, whatever the choice someone makes to lose weight it is a personal choice and one that works best for you. The surgery is NO QUICK FIX, there is not one in this world that I know of! It is a tool that provided me the weight loss that I tried for 20+ years on 100+ diets to acheive. And hopefully as I move into the future I will take that tool, along with others ou there, and live a healthy life. Best of luck to all!
March 16th, 2007 at 1:05 am
I have been inquiring about gastric bypass surgery for many months, and it was not my first weight loss option, but it will be my last if I am given the choice. Most qualified Surgeons and MDs no longer rush to offer this surgery. There are many tests required of bariatric patients, one being a weight loss test to see if the patient can lose weight, while being on a restrictive diet and exercise administered to them by a dietician. The weight loss test involves following the patient and monitoring their activities and eating habits to see how there metabolic rate assimilates what they eat. There is a point in the life of an overweight person when diet is not the only answer. At that point, something must be done to change the brain chemistry and body chemistry which supports the metabolic rate. In these cases, bariatric surgery may be the only answer. With less invasive options available now such as the lap band option, some people choose not to solely consider gastric bypass. However, there are still insurance companies which will pay for the more invasive bypass over lap band. In those cases patients would opt for bypass rather than no option at all. My surgeon gives informational seminars to fully aquaint her patients with all weight loss surgery options, prior to ever seeing them one on one. She insures they are fully aware that anyone who chooses these options is making a “permanent life change”. One of her favorite lines is that you can eat your way out of anything, if you choose to. She notes choosing surgery gives her patients a tool to help choose eating healthy. There are difficulties and consequences when you don’t follow any bariatric program to the letter, including lap band surgery. Its meant to modify your behavior much the same way aversive bark collars use ultrasonic sound to work with dogs. The sound will not ultimately harm the dog but it can help him modify his behavior to not barking. When you get to a certain point in your life when nothing else helps and your internal organs and health start failing, you feel like you are living a dog’s life and are restricted and on a leash to your weight. If wearing a collar around my stomach helps get me back on an acceptable path with my health, I am 100% for making that permanent life change.
March 20th, 2007 at 12:30 am
I am curious to see if I could lose weight by following the diet without the surgery. Could someone send it to me please? Krisdodge@sbcglobal.net Thank you!
March 21st, 2007 at 9:46 am
I myself want to try the diet without the surgery. If someone has the diet I would love to know what web site the diet can be found at so I can get a copy of it. My email is melinda@hiltoncooper.com. Thanks
March 31st, 2007 at 3:49 am
Melinda and Kristin, a doctor friend told me if I want to lose weight fast to try the gastric bypass diet without the surgery – he said you need about 850 cal. a day, with a lot of protein, some veges etc. Still hungry? eat air popped popcorn. I too googled gastric bypass diet trying to find what is recommended…the best description I found was the Mayo Clinic info reported on by CNN – here’s the link:
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/WT/00007.html
Good luck
March 31st, 2007 at 6:52 am
Deb,
Excellent link, Deb! Thank you for the extra information. I really appreciate it!
Laura Moncur
March 31st, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Thank you so much for the information. I googled (gastric bypass daily diet) and came up with alot more of the diets actually written out. I am going to call a couple of the doctors listed and ask them to send me a copy. Maybe we can construct a sensible knowledge of the diet from a number of different sources? I am eager to try! Will keep you posted.
April 9th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
I have thought long and hard about having the Gastric bypass and have decided to have it done. Believe me I am fed up with all these diets that you lose weight but always end up gaining back.Every year it the same thing. What diet am I going to use to lose weight? What type of exercise equipment do I need to buy? What exercise gym do I need to join? Do I need to join Weight Watcher again? What book or Video do I need to purchase to help lose weight? I know there are risks just like any surgery but if I can get a chance to lose significant weight and live longer for my two kids and wife. I think it may outweight everything else. Believe me if dieting alone worked for me I would do it. But I definitely need that extra help by feeling full. Especially with the fast running lifestyle and food being part of every single type of celebration whether it is a holiday or just a gathering of people. If dieting alone helps you. Go for it.
April 10th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Laura- I was searching the web for the exact reason that I wanted to understand and try the diet without surgery. I certainly believe that the surgery is great for some for various reasons. I am surprised at the amount of criticism of the previous messages. Obviously, this is a very touchy subject. I think that the fact is most of us know what is best for us, even when we don’t do what is best for us. I have had friends and family who have had the surgery for reasons from health (a desire to try to extend their life expectancy), to mobility ( hoping a loss of weight would allow for more physical freedom), to an attempt at controlling intake of food ( I am a little concerned about this person since she is also diabetic and has a lack of self control on the types of food that she eats), to aesthetics ( I had a pretty friend who was over weight and it was affecting her self-esteem and the way people treated her). So far, they are all doing well. I do have some concerns about using this surgery as a means of controlling the intake of food, but that is up to the individual to make that choice. If the process of the surgery and the experience there after helps someone learn to eat less, then it has served its purpose. If the patient returns to eating more and more, then they probably need more than surgery ( a good support system or counseling). So, to summarize, I think trying this as a diet is a great idea. Maybe people who elect to have the surgery should even start the diet before the surgery to get accustomed to it or to see if they can meet this challenge. My friends and family have each lost over 100 lbs each after surgery and I applaud them. I desire to only lose 60- 70 and I already eat small amounts of food, I just desired to find the diet because I knew that it would be protein rich and sort of a summary of the foods that are good for you (with out a lot of junk). So, I think it’s a great idea!
April 16th, 2007 at 11:24 am
This article fascinated me because I had the RNY bypass done 4 weeks ago, 41 lbs down so far, and don’t experience what you wrote about at all! I can eat more than 2 oz of food at a time – more like 8 to 10 oz at a time for a meal, I can drink unlimited amounts of liquids between meals with no discomfort, I don’t have to cut my food into tiny pieces, I just eat regular bites and chew well. Since I’ve not experienced most of what you posted, now I am super curious to find out if I am such a rare and unusual person or if not where the heck are you getting your medical information from??
May 16th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Hi all, To each his/her own. Everyone must do what they feel is right for themselves, regardless of what ANYONE says. Everyone can’t “just follow a diet”. For some people if it were that simple they would have done it years ago.
May 20th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Why is it the misinformed and ignorant people who know nothing except what they’ve heard second-hand from a friend of a friend always spout off as though they’re an authority and expert on this subject? The author of this blog said that 1 in 200 dies as a result of this operation. Totally bogus! Maybe 30 years ago when general practioners were trying to perform this operation.. but now there a surgeons who specialize and their practice consisits of this procedure ONLY. Things have come a long way in gastric bypass. If you don’t really know what you’re talking about then why don’t you just shut-up!
May 21st, 2007 at 12:28 am
Tim,
Please click through to the Prevention Magazine article I linked to. I didn’t make up that number. Here is the exact quote:
This wasn’t an article from 30 years ago. The stark realization is that we are being lied to by physicians who care more about profitable surgeries than their patients.
Best of luck, Laura Moncur
May 28th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this website. Unlike “Galen” who wrote above, I was completely inspired by it. At the time I first got onto the site, I had no health insurance whatsoever. I had almost given up thinking I could never have this surgery because I couldn’t pay for it. Then… I realized (after reading here). The surgery is not “magic”. It doesn’t replace your attitudes to food and your hang ups on how to eat. I tried exactly what you said and used the dieting methods and lost the weight!!!! I took absolutely NO health risk of dying from the operation, It took NO money. I feel GREAT.
As for “Galen” spouting off about you not having any experience.. I have to laugh. He clearly states he is “getting” the surgery. So, how is he the expert then? I mean really… come back AFTER you have done it. Fact is, come back 3 years after you have done it and tell us then how you are doing. I have two cousins who did it. They BOTH gained weight because they thought it was a magic fix and neither changed their “food attitude”.
Anyway, thank you again. I am TOTALLY inspired and I work every single day on my new food attitude. I still eat foods that I love (chocolate, ice cream), but I eat less of them and less frequently. I am finding that when my mind is focused on what I actually put INTO my body, I don’t need the crutches I used to. AND…. I gained confidence in myself which made me not eat also. When I had no confidence, I stuffed myself thinking “who cares, nobody looks at me anyway”……
I will work the rest of my life at this, but with websites like these and the support we all give each other? I KNOW I can do it. And, the best thing? If I do slip??? TOMORROW is another day. My cousins slipped (both of them) and they are BOTH talking about getting the surgery again….WOW….
June 3rd, 2007 at 7:28 pm
I have a decision to make. I have seen a bariatric surgeon. I have completed all of the pre stuff you need to do. except for Barretts syndrome, HBP, I seem to be ok. My joints can’t take the weight anymore. I am faced with the decision of having the surgery next Monday or chickening out. My husband is supportive, but my parents and children are so against it, and think I am craxy. I am about 100 lbs overweight, but 80 lb loss would do. I am 5’10 and weigh 280. I am scared, really scared, but I don’t want to die of a massive heart attack either, and I want to walk so that my joints don’t ache. I have lost 100 lbs 6 different times in my life, and don’t have the umph to do it again. I am 52. I wish this was an easy decision
June 3rd, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Why didn’t Galen come back after his surgery and tell us about it?
August 15th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but gastric bypass surgery is a very personal thing – it is a choice you have to make for yourself no one else – it is not a quick fix by any means and you need to do it for the right reason and that reason is to get healthy and live a longer and healthier life, if you are only doing it for vanity you don’t have the right mindset. Yes, I have had the surgery and yes I have had dumping but I have also lost more than 70 lbs in 4 months – I make better eating choices now and eat smaller portions I have more energy and this is a choice I made for myself. Just do the research before you have surgery – make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and you need good aftercare – support groups are a must. As for all of the negative statements on this site – you can die from having any type of surgery so this is really no different. Oh yeah and one more thing if there were not so many people in “need” of this surgery then there would not be so many doctors offering this surgery – what did I see on TV the other day OBESITY is the 2nd biggest killer of Americans!!! Surgery is a solution!
August 15th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Just read a wonderful article on the Prevention website http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-4-77-286-4885-1,00.html – and also wanted to throw this in : A 2004 McGill University study underscores the health benefits: Of almost 7,000 obese patients, those who had weight loss surgery reduced their risk of death by 89 percent, compared with obese people who didn’t have surgery.
In the University of Minnesota review, the surgery alleviated diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol in 70 to 80 percent of the 22,000 patients. “That’s powerful,” says lead author Henry Buchwald, MD, PhD, a professor of surgery at the university. “With one operation, you get rid of the primary disease, obesity, and these four other diseases, and you stop the progress toward heart attacks and death.”
September 9th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I had gastric bypass surgery 2+ years ago. I have gone through the majority of things everyone talks about. The dumping, and for awhile after surgery I ate very small amounts of food and had a very strong loss of appetite. (Food just didn’t taste good for awhile after surgery). I have had to be put on extra iron for my iron deficiency and I even went to the hospital when I had bouts of what I determined to be gas build up in my stomach (the doctors couldn’t find anything) and I since have figured out and cured myself by taking over the counter antacid tablets… (Not that this is a “Big problem” it has only happened probably 5 times in over 2 years) Yes, these things have happened to me due to the surgery. Yes, there are down falls to this surgery,(and believe me if it was prolonged and miserable and unbearable pain all the time, most people wouldn’t have the surgery from seeing others that have had it in pain. It’s not like that at all!) But there are more highs from the surgery and good things from this surgery than bad IN MY OPINION. I will forever have to make changes from now on. And yes, that includes watching what I eat, and my weight. (My doctor informed me of possible weight gain even after having had the surgery. But, like everything else you are going to have to work at it for the rest of your life, even fit people work at it daily.) If you can’t do these things or aren’t well at remembering to take your supplements daily and doing the things they require you had better rethink the decision. Because its everyday!! However, if I had the choice to make the decision of gastric bypass again, I would!! But in all honesty, if I really had to make a choice and do the correct thing (in a “perfect world”), I would definately make myself do the diet on my own for the rest of my life instead. But, if I were disciplined enough to do that on my own, then I wouldn’t have had to even consider surgery. Anyway, in my opinion, I am happy I had the surgery and would do it again. But, if you can make yourself do the bariatric diet for the rest of your life without the surgery then that’s ideal! And good luck!!! Things I have enjoyed by having my surgery the most is I play tennis 2-4 days a week ( and can actually play for hours without being out of breath)and majority of the girls on my team request me as a partner!!! I am sooo pumped to play now, whereas 2+ years ago I would not be able to do half of the running I do now! Also, just getting into a booth in a restaurant without having to stress if you will fit in it, means more to me than the weight loss itself. Or fitting into the seats at the local amusement parks without dieing of embarrassment! Most people don’t know I have had the surgery and just think I am an average weight “person”. That is why I am glad I had the surgery. To fit in without everyone looking at you as the fat girl! I would do it again and again just for these things!!! And believe me there are many, many more things. Some might think they are small and trivial but you wouldn’t understand unless you have been there. So, yes it might not be right for some and there’s always going to be someone to criticize, but look at it this way. If you could not walk and the doctors gave you a chance to walk and get out of a wheelchair with surgery, would you do it? Or if you were blind, and couldn’t see and the doctors gave you a chance with surgery? Would you do it? It is absolutely your choice and no one elses!!! Do what’s right for you! I prayed and prayed and prayed, and was scared to death, but I did it and thanks to the Good Lord above, sooo glad I did!!! Good Luck to All, and hope you continue to “weigh the options”!!!
October 4th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
This is all very interesting. I just had a friend go through the surgery in August and am watching her lose a phenomenal amount of weight with very minimal side effects. She says it is the best thing that ever happened to her. She is almost 50 and weighed well over 300lbs. Now she is down to 264 and losing more each day. She was on the brink of not being able to walk or continue to teach. Good luck to anyone who does this…it appears to be a Godsend to my friend Beth. Don’t knock it until you’ve walked a mile in another’s shoes!
November 12th, 2007 at 5:41 am
My mom had the surgery 4 years ago with amazing weight loss and really a new life for her. She is having a ball. She could not make it up a flight of stairs without it making her completely out of breath. Her diabetes is all better. She looks wonderful. I too have struggles with a constant weight gain since I was in my 20’s I am just starting th gastric bypass journey.
November 17th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Hello Everyone,
It’s Galen and I am back! I want to respond to the few things that was said about and to me then I will update you all on my surgery. First off, I never said I was an expert on anything. I was only trying to draw attention to the fact that Laura Moncour is not an expert. I also want everyone to know that I have never made a dime on any “advice” I have given on this subject. I will admit that my opinion is just that…MY opinion! To all the people that that have lost weight by following the post surgical guidelines without having the surgery….MAJOR KUDOS!!! My hat is off to you! I think that is absolutely marvelous. I give you my full and honest support in your maintenance and sincerely wish you the best. I will also say that if there is anyone else out there who thinks they can do it like that….by all means TRY!!!!! I did too, it just didn’t work. Now for an update…. Due to a skiing accident by my surgeon, (yes, thats my luck!) My surgery was postponed until Feb 6th. On that morning, immediately before I was wheeled to the O.R. I stepped off the scales weighing 355 lbs. I had slept the night before using a c-pap machine, for my sleep apnea. Of course before going to sleep I had taken my blood pressure meds and also my diabetes medicine. In the months leading up to the surgery, I was led through a myriad of test, ranging from bloodwork to phsychiatric evaluations. I was counseled on the risks with a “no-holds-barred” attitude from all involved. (they even gave divorce statistics…. yes they are high for couples where one has had the surgery). I could not climb a flight of stairs without stopping to rest and had actually cancelled dates because it just wasn’t worth the trouble of changing clothes and getting ready. I wore 3x shirts and 50 inch jeans. Today is November 17th. I live in Raleigh NC now and I am back to doing what I love, operating cranes! As a matter of fact I am about to start operating tower cranes…..which require that I climb and descend a 200+ ft ladder daily. My son flew up from Texas this weekend and we played racquetball not once but twice yesterday. (I still suck at it!) When I moved from Texas to NC I had to unload the Uhaul by myself which I did with very little problems. (other than the fact that I was still handicapped by a 46 yr old body!) I ride a Harley almost on a daily basis, something I didn’t have the energy to do a few months ago. In short…. (if its not too late) I weigh 223 lbs, I sleep without a c-pap, I DO NOT take blood pressure medicine, I DO NOT take diabetes meds. I eat ANY THING I WANT TO! I just do it with care and moderstion, like I was taught. Yes I have experienced some discomfort, but every time I did, it was because of some foolish action of my own. I have not once “dumped”, bled, or had any complication whatsoever. And luckily for me, I don’t even have much loose skin, as a matter of fact, hardly any. (I know this is not the norm). When I tell people that i weighed 355 lbs on Feb 6th of THIS year, they find it hard to believe….some going as far as calling me a liar!..(i just laugh!) IT IS NOT A MAGIC CURE! YOU ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS! YOU CAN GAIN IT BACK…EASILY!!! But it saved my life…it showed me in a very short period of time what it was like to feel good again, to actually look in the mirror and smile. I did not have this surgery to look better in a pair of jeans, (as a matter of fact I was against it at first)but i did it for health reasons. But I don’t mind telling you, its pretty cool wearing shirts with only one (L) on them and bluejeans with a 34 inch waist!!!!! And to “Marion” and “Rosemarie” first good luck if you are battling a weight problem… I will gladly post in a year….in two years….and in three years, no problem. To all the other readers… I find it highly hypocritical that the very page Ms Moncour uses to speak out against this surgery is funded by THREE! count them T H R E E!!!! Bariatric surgery ads! Again, I speak only from my experience. I am neither a spokesman for nor an opponent against the surgery. I am against speaking out of school against anything you don’t know about……especially when it can benefit someone physically. I also know people who have gained all their weight back after the surgery. And its 100% their fault. And if it happens to me….it will be my fault. I actually have met two people that have had the surgery twice, both times failures! I would like to commend Ms. Moncour for her open forum. I admire anyone that allows all opinions to be heard even if they differ from hers. Thank you Ms Moncour for the space and your time.
Sincerely….Galen Russell
December 6th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
In 2005 I almost had a heart attack. I caught it quick enough but found myself in the hospital having a stent put into a blocked artery instead of going to work one day. That said I was told I needed to take off my extra weight. I joined the gym and weight watchers. I tried my hardest but after 6 months I had only managed to lose 11 pounds. The Dr. was concerned I could have another problem. He told me that if I was to consider gastric bypass he would not be opposed. I started my research. After several months I decided to seek out a surgeon. After more months of testing I qualified. I had my surgery on August 29, 2007. Some will say I took the easy way out, but as those who have had the surgery know it is anything but easy. It is a TOOL ! and it needs to be respected and treated correctly. I think the difference for me has been that if I try to eat something that isn’t good for me I will get sick and that ain’t pretty. Before the surgery if I ate something I knew I shouldn’t there was no REAL ramifications. It has been just about three months now and I am 64 pounds healthier. I have had no complications. I eat the proper foods and excercise at least 3 – 4 times per week. I am off all but one of the many medications I was on and I sleep thru the night. I told my Dr. that I felt like the old car in the back yard. It still had a lot of life left in it, it just needed a jump start. Gastric Bypass was my jump start to the rest of my hopefully longer healthier life.
Thank you
December 13th, 2007 at 8:39 am
I’m having my surgery next week.
I went through the 6 month program that my insurance company required, and lost 30 lbs. That was 1 year ago and I’ve regained 25 of the 30 lbs that I lost. That included a rigorous routine of excercise and eating healthy. But then the holidays showed up. I splurged on Thanskgiving and Christmas and that was it for me in the weight loss department. Gees, sue me for wanting to splurge on Thansgiving and Christmas, pretell!
Not every human body is the same. I did a metabolic REE test (the one where they test how many calories you burn while resting), and my score was 1900. My doctors were fascinated that I burn 1900 calories while at rest yet am so big. Yet, I have been on a liquid diet (with no cheating, mind you) of about 800-1000 calories with about 250g of protein daily for the past week and a half now. I’ve been walking more often and do more around the house. Know how much weight I’ve lost? One pound. ONE!!
I mean I know it’s not easy to lose weight, but this is too much. There’s no way I would be able to keep up with a liquid diet like this for, say, 1 year on my own. And then only to lose 50 lbs, if that? I don’t have the willpower to make that kind of a sacrifice only to lose 50 lbs, if that, when the type of weight loss I require is of the magnitude of 200 lbs.
All I ask is that I be able to eat a little gravy on Thanksgiving and a little pork at Christmas! And even if I gain some weight, to have a chance to get back to ‘normal’. Really is that too much to ask?
January 11th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I had my surgery many years ago. Part of the reason for my surgery was the fact that there was so much scar tissue from prior gastric problems that I was advised to have it “removed”. I now have a tiny stomach …. and that’s it.
It’s been years since my surgery and yet I don’t follow the guidelines strictly. Yes, there are certain foods I just don’t eat; cake, ice cream, cookies, candy, etc. Sugar and I just don’t mix. The “dumping pain” is so intense its not worth the 10 second joy of taste. However, I still tend to eat too much. AND I SUFFER! If I eat too much of the “bad” foods, and you’ll soon learn what they are for your particular circumstances, you will too. You will have to make that decision.
Reality: When dumping starts, I feel sick. My heart races, my body warms up so that Iwant to take my clothes off. I feel sick in my stomach … sometimes there is a lot of pain. It will last at least 45 minutes. Soooooooooo, lets say you are in a restaurant … eat too much … you start feeling sick … I mean REALLY sick. You are with friends … what do you do, what do you say? The best thing is to come clean with those close to you; explain dumping, so that when you excuse yourself from the table to be sick they will understand. It’s hard for non-gastric patients to understand.
After you are sick for 45 minutes, then you must be close to a bathroom, cause that’s next. Everything will run through you and you will have to elliminate.
This is reality. Sound like gloom and doom, huh? Well, I still think its worth it. I don’t eat very much, I don’t gain weight. Its not a cureall, you still have to be dilligent. But, I’d do it again, in a second. My life has totally changed for the better. I have self-esteme and just plain “love life”. I have a boyfriend that tells me how bwautiful I am and can’t keep his hands off of me. Would I trade that for the me that was 75+ overweight … I don’t think so!
Bottom line … I just didn’t have the willpower to cut calories. Gastric bypass (or in my situation sub-total gastrectomy) gave me that willpower.
Its your choice .. best wishes.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I was pretty bothered by this post, among others that say its a fat person’s fault, so surgery shouldnt be available- or at the very least, try something else before doing something so drastic.
I am a 23 year old female. I’m 5″10 and I weigh 442 pounds. I don’t look it really, but my life has begun to destroy itself in the past year or so. I have put YEARS of work into diets, exercise, and even tried eating disorders, and no matter what, I cannot lose more than 30ish pounds.
I love to swim and work out- I was never a lazy person, I just had a big appetite. Now at age 23, I have severe back problems due to my weight. I have bulging disks, a bone scraping in my spine, pinched nerves, and I am showing signs of arthritus. I have TRIED so hard to lose weight, and my body just wont do it. And now because of the extreme pain i feel from walking, my college grades are slipping.
I started the gastric bypass surgery process this past week. I am frightened as hell, and worried I wont be able to enjoy my favorite foods, like spicy thai food (no, not cake or anything!).
I know I don’t have any other options. Does anyone who has already gone through the surgery have any advice for someone going at this by themselves?
May 18th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Emily,
I think you are making a wise decision. There is more to weight loss than willpower and eating right. Metabolism plays a big part.
I never had a weight problem until after my 1st pregnancy when I gained 100 lbs. (The baby weighed 3 lbs). After that, I was never able to get back on track. I would kill myself with exercise and diets and manage to lose maybe 25lbs only to see it all come back plus more. Diets would leave me weak & trembling with no energy. I would also be very hungry. I tried appetite suppressants, doctor supervised diets with prescription drugs. They worked for awhile but my body would ‘catch on’ and they stopped working.
I did not really eat that much, no more than before I begin to gain weight, considerably less actually. My metabolism had changed, but my appetite/hunger had not.
Eventually, my 5′ frame was carrying 275lbs. My knees were shot, my back ached, I was borderline diabetic, my blood pressure was rising and my cholesteral was spiking. I could no longer do the things I liked to do. It was not a matter of vanity, it was a matter of health and quality of life.
On May 14th, I had my gastric bypass. I am looking forward to being able to do the things I loved to do and to avoid the killer diseases that were headed my way.
I am considerably older than you, Emily, but I think that is even more reason to have it done. Your body cannot carry that much weight without dire consequences. I suspect that you have been overweight your entire life. I think your metabolism is fighting against you and this may be your only chance for a healthy life.
I suggest that you find a qualified, experienced, bariatric specialist. S/He will tell you if you are not a good candidate for a given procedure. S/He will inform you about life after your bypass, have you talk to other patients (my doctor has a support group for his patients) so that you will not be going in blind.
I think that the only foods that will give you trouble after your surgery are high sugar foods. They pass into your system so quickly that your blood sugar goes weigh up and then nose-dives. I experienced this many times BEFORE my bypass surgery, the culprit was usually too many carbs at a meal – rarely outright sugar. High fat foods may also not go over too well, but I no longer have my gallbladder so that is a given for me. I love spicy foods so that will be one of the first things I try when I can.
I will be more than happy to correspond with you directly during your process and let you know how it is going for me. You can contact me at dahjmail-public@yahoo.com.
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 am
On a personal note I am preparing my body for a RNY procedure, increasing my exercise and taking a multivitamin and calcium with D. For me the benefits will far outweigh the risks. I have Barrett’s esophagous, a condition that has the potential to turn cancerous. I have 285 lbs on my 5’7″ frame. My fasting glucose levels have been a little bit high. Not enough to call me diabetic, but it is serving as a warning for what is likely ahead if I don’t change my eating habits. I have arthritis in multiple joints as well as fibromyalgia. The pain has made it hard to exercise, but I still keep moving. I have already had surgery on both my knees. GB is not a miracle cure, but it is an effective tool to help someone who is dedicated to improving their health. Yes, there are risks, 5 out of every 1000 people die from complications of the surgery. But the question I ask myself is how many die each day from the complications of obesity that are not surgery related? The decision to have GB surgery is one that should be made only after knowing all the facts. Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon the smallest of questions. You are your own best advocate in getting the best healthcare possible. Good luck to all.
September 12th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Dear Laura,
I have had this procedure done 6 months ago, and have to say I LOVE IT!! At 28 year years old I had several small heart attacks and did not know it until my EKG. It has given me my life back. I had no complications AT ALL!!! I have never even thrown up! If someone you know is gaining weight back, it is their own fault. I am one of those people who could not do it by myself. I have not been fat all my life. In fact until I started to have children my weight was 89lbs. I am 5’4. I would tell anyone who wants this done to do it!! Just choose your doctor wisely. That is the key. My doctor was the best in my area, and I would recommend him to anyone who asks!!
October 8th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I don’t agree with some of the things people say – your health insurance did you a favor by not approving this surgery. – I had the surgery and you are not hungry so it really doesn’t bother you. Unless you’ve had it done – don’t judge the surgery.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
To Anyone Concerned: I’m a 46 year old woman that has always been (so I thought) a little “chubby” most of my life. I know now that I was not. But over the last 15 years, I have had weight come on slowly, naturally as I have aged and in the last 7 years it has come on quite quickly. I have tried all of the diets, Weight Watchers, Adkins, Health Eating, Excercising…All of them. To only lose 20 lbs at each try, gain it back, then try again. I ended up at 235 pounds. Depression, sleep apnea, High Cholesterol, bad knees, hips, etc. I could go on. I had my surgery Sept. 29, 2008. No problems, and don’t anticipate any, as long as I follow my doctors orders. I’m in no hurry to die and I have made an educated decision to have this done. Yes, my insurance paid for it and it was the best money they ever spent. The Diet is easy enough to follow. This is the best decision I have made in my life. I have done all of the research, read plenty, both good and bad. My research took me 3 years in the making. I know several people that have had it with no problems. I also know some that have problems, but that is because they don’t take it seriously enough. The real stats show that over 200,000 people have had the surgery and the death rate is 1 in 300. Now is it also fact that most of the deaths have occured with doctors that are not really qualified/experienced enought to do the surgery. You MUST research and find a doctor that has has success, no deaths and have a programs in place that you can use as follow-up. The doctor I chose has a nutritionist, physchologist, program coordinator, support group, and free gym membership along with their program. Most important, he has not had any deaths associated to his surgeries in his long history of bariatric surgery. Most people just assume if you are fat, it is your fault, that simply is not the case. No alot more goes into it than that. Many peope have particular reasons that they are overweight. When contemplating this surgery, you must remember THIS IS JUST A TOOL, not a weight loss FIX. You must be committed to the life style change and you must be mentally ready for it. If not, then this is not for you. The idea of just following the diet solving the problem is great in theory, but it is not really and accurate depiction of what you, your mind and body goes through. Yes, you will lose weight if you follow it, but I guarantee you you will still be hungry. For those of us who have had the surgery, we are full and satisfied. There is a great feeling of accomplishment that goes along with eating less and feeling full. Depression is now, for me, a thing of the past. I have lost 15 lbs in 13 days and anticipate great success with this. I also use the treadmill every day, exercise (as in the past) but now I’m seeing wonderful results. I also have a wonderful support group in my family. I have never been one to “Alter what God gave me” but this is one exception that I’m sure he won’t mind. This surgery has and will save my life. I’m not here to say who is wrong or who is right. I’m just here to say that I am right for going throuh with the surgery and it was the best and only choice for me. Congratulations to those who have been on the “bariatric diet” and lost weight or for any diet without surgery. But don’t dare put any of us down, who have made the choice to have the surgery. Because it just comes down to: You need to be fit, be healthy and be happy, however you choose to do it. My advise to those contemplating the surgery…….DO YOUR HOMEWORK, know who is going to be cutting into you, know and understand the risks, and you must be willing to work at it. I know I’m still early in the stages, but I know what to expect, how long it will take and I’m willing to do what I have to. You must be committed!!! The surgery is here to help me stay committed!! To those who have had the surgery, Congrats and good job!
October 18th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I will have bypass surgery monday. Not because of weight loss but rather due to the co-morbidities of sleep apnea and diabetes. The doctor treating my apnea has told me that I will never live long enough for the weight or diabetes to kill me. He and the second and third opinion is that I will die first of an enlarged heart due to apnea. Latest information is that apnea triggers a chemical signal to the brain that the heart must work harder. At the same time the brain triggers a second chemical signal that the heart is working harder and needs a greater amount of food, inducing hunger. As far as I can determine after a great deal of research a bypass is the only way to break the chain of diabetes and comorbidities. I have been so advised by endocrinologits, dieaticians, sleep therapists and my own doctor. On this basis I am having gastric bypass sugery from a thouroly researced surgeon. If everyting goes wll I will respond to this post in 2 years
October 27th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I am overweight, of course, but my type 2 diabetes had worsened and instead of Metformin, the doctor said I needed to take insulin injections. I wanted a gastric bypass to help my diabetes, and any weight loss would be an added benefit. I got the operation 2 weeks ago, on October 14th, I was never in pain. I was in the hospital for 2 days. The first day I was up and walking, I even went outside of the hospital for a walk. The next day I walked non stop for hours and then I got to go home. The next day I went for a 2 hour walk out in nature, breathing deeply, as it is oxygen in the blood that makes things heal fast. It really, really works… And, back to the diabetes, in less than 2 weeks, the glucose has steadily dropped to all normal readings. Before the operation I was expecting the worst, lots of pain, dumping, Hell Week, etc. Nothing bad happened. Tomorrow I am going to the hospital to get the staples out and talk to the dietitian. I will get to eat pureed food starting tomorrow. Which is good because I am so tired of just liquids. Although I have tried different things now and then to see if I would get dumping and nothing happened there either. (Carrot cake, fried fish and potato chip experiments) I had to test… and I expected trouble eating these bad things on the liquids stage. Still nothing. I hope it continues on so well and I don’t develop any complications. But I am very glad I had this operation and I would definitely do it again. It’s been ALL good. Every second. The hard part is that now I have to use total self control every day because I don’t have dumping to help me along. I have to be extra strong. But then again, dumping sounds terrible and maybe using self control is better than dumping anyway…? We’ll see how it goes.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Hello all,
Its Galen again….I haven’t written in a good long while because I am emjoying my new life. I am almost 2 years from my gastric by-pass and life couldn’t be better health wise. I weigh 210 and have weighed within that range for nearly a year. I eat almost anything I want and the only things i have to stay away from are rich dairy foods and real greasy fried stuff. I do take a bite of ice cream and cake, and i thouroughly enjoy a good burger (well a half of one) and a fried chicken dinner! As far as the dumping goes…. its non-existent in my life. When I OVEREAT I do feel discomfort but it only last a few minutes and no bathroom sprints are needed. I function absolutely normal. No meds, no special diet, nothing. As I’ve said before, Its a personal decision. I can screw this up if I obsessivily overeat. I am still responsible for my own actions. Also I would like to say that I firmly stand beside all I’ve written. I’ve never said it was for everyone… but it saved me from a terrible existence and many health problems. I am posting my email in case anyone would like the real truth and would be more than happy to discuss it with pre or post- operative candidates
Sincerely,
Galen Russell russell_galen@yahoo.com
May 27th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I’m sory your brotheralmost died having the surgery but I had it Feb 11th of this year and it is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have lost 48 pounds and I’m in the best health I have been in 15 years. I went from a very unhealthy 222 lbs to 175 as of today and I intend to lose 35 more pounds. I haven’t had an asthma attack in 2 months. My blood pressure is aboslutely perfect, in fact my doctor is going to take me off my meds. My blood sugar is normal. I can actually walk up and down the stairs without getting out of breath. I feel great!
I watch what I eat religiously, I haven’t had a bite of sugar since Feb 11th and I don’t miss it. I watch how much I eat, but I can eat more than 2 ounces now, still no pork or beef until June 14 but I haven’t missed it that much, not enough to go against doctor’s advice and I haven’t had dumping once.
I think someone who can get insurance to pay for the surgery like mine and who wants it would be foolish not to do it.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
I was disturbed by reading the beginning of this blog since I felt it was nothing but negative and left no room for the possibility of surgery. I just had my surgery May 18th, a little over 2 weeks ago. I will say that I was staunchly against any surgery until I finally gave in to the fact that no diet worked for me. I was even on a closely monitored diet accompanied by medication like xenical and adipex and even that didnt produce results. I can only advise those unsure like I was to do research and talk to people who have actually had the surgery and ask the questions that are really burning in your mind. I am fortunate that my insurance covered 90% of my surgery. I am not gonna lie and say that its been easy because it hasnt but I found an excellent surgeon that I trusted with my life. Support from friends and family is crucial because this is NOT an easy decision to make. I know my road is just beginning I did this not only for me but for my daughter. Yes you can die from this surgery but you can also die in a car accident, random robbery or anything else in life.. not to mention the effects of being obese in the first place. If you can lose it the traditional way go for it, but for those who have truely hit rock bottom just consider it please do the research to see if it will be good for you. You are the only one that can make that decision and its best to go into it with an open mind hearing both the pros and cons before making your life changing decision.
Btw, I am 17 days since surgery and I am down 23 lbs, feeling overall great from the actual surgery and looking forward to phase 2 of semi- solid foods..
July 20th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Hi I am 5’2′ and weight 245 lbs, and am seriously considering gastric bypass. Some of these statistics are scary but I wonder how many of those 300,000 obese patients would have died if they hadn’t had the surgery. Surgery is risky but so is morbid obesity. I have diabetes and osteoarthritis. My knees pain all the time and I can hardly climb a flight of stairs. The idea to try to follow the bypass diet is interesting. The link given earlier on this site is closed. Does anyone have a copy of the diet or a current link?
October 16th, 2009 at 9:41 am
I haven’t read all the responses, but I wanted to chime in.
I had gastric bypass 8 years ago. Best thing I ever did for myself. Starting weight 340, got down to 190, now hover around 205 (after a pregnancy). I don’t think I would have ever lost the weight on my own, and I still have to be careful to maintain this weight, but it’s a battle I can manage rather than one I am always losing. I am still not thin, and obese by technical standards, but I exercise daily and move freely, even completing a 1/2 marathon at about 200 pounds. I am fat but fit. Before, I was just fat-fat and no where near fit.
Also, the surgery did cause me to address the issues that made me eat. You cannot eat much immediately after surgery, period. Those 6 months of being confronted with my shit were HARD and I simply could not eat to shove them back down. I saw a wonderful therapist, and I would recommend that for any gastic bypass patient. But, I don’t think therapy alone would have gotten the weight off.
Dieting has a 2% success rate. Gastric bypass has 85% success rate. If I had cancer, I’d want the treatment that was most likely to work. Why is morbid obesity a different disease where I should stick with a treatment method that sucks?
March 27th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I was sent to a bariatric surgeon to schedule bypass surgery. I am 150 lbs overweight. I do not sit, eat bags of popcorn, or tubs of ice cream, nor am I in line at the all you can eat buffets and I walk 4 miles a day, I had a heart attack 2 years ago. My grandfather died at 66 from a heart attack. My father died at 57. I am 57 now. I had a stroke last year. If I dont have this surgery I will be dead in 2 years. Ive tried all diets, Ive taken the pills, Ive been put in the hospital under lock and key with rigid diets and gained weight. The nutritionists said I should not have gained weight with the diet I was placed on. This scares me but I have NO other option. IT is so easy to say DIET. Part of the problem I see is that people look at us and demand we look skinny over a weekend. It wont happen. Being overweight you are discriminated against and society treats you like crap. I can go to Outback take out for dinner for the family and I am asked, you want to eat that here or do you want that to go. When you go to a store, the salesperson does everything to not take care of you. So, for me, diet is not going to work. My only choice is surgery. I need to hear from others who have had it. I need to get my mind into getting through this so I can continue to live and lose the weight that came to me when i was in my 40s. Thank you. Some of us need the support.
April 12th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I have just finished reading your post, and although I do believe that gastric bypass should not be the first option chosen for weight loss, I cannot agree with many of your statements. It is not true that only two ounces of food can be eaten at a time. My post surgery diet started with about four ounces of food per meal, and now I can eat about eight ounces. I am satisfied and healthy. I have lost more than 80 pounds, and have more energy and enjoyment of life than before surgery. My health has also improved.
I believe that every individual is different, and weight loss surgery is a personal choice. I am tired of people putting erroneous material on the internet to scare people away from what can be a life saving and life altering alternative.
July 28th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Hi everyone, I had a BP surgery in April, and have lost a good amount of weight. It was one of the best decisions of my life. The first months my stomach was upset almost all the time and I had some pain. But now I feel normal again, and have been overeating a little at times, and would hate it if my stomach pouch starts growing. I guess that those who have already gone through the process or are on the process should support each other so that we don´t gain the amazing amount of lost pounds.