Posted on 02/27/2010 2:29:11 PM PST by pgkdan
Well, a few hours surgery they will have you doing laps around the hospital to keep your blood moving. I was in the hospital for 4 days (usually 3, but I needed an extra for a blood transfusion). I was pretty weak when I left the hospital, but with pain pills and lots of rest, I was feeling pretty good a few days later. I did experience significant pain when I’d try to get out of bed, but it got better with time. I am 44, and I am fairly athletic, so I wasn’t down for long. I had the surgery on a Monday, and by the middle of the next week, I went back to work. I was tired, but glad to get out of bed. The first week post-op sucked, but each week got better.
I see posts from people that are naysayers or offer alternative programs. Let me say this...I did this because diets do not work. Yes, some people may lose signficant weight (I have numerous times), but 95% of those that lose weight, gain it back. I fell into that 95%.
The surgery is much easier than it was before- my surgery was done laproscopically and it took them 1 hour, six minutes. My doctor has done over 700, and it’s all that he does. I believe that this surgery will become much common, because it is the closest thing to a magic bullet we will ever see. I contemplated this procedure for many years, and as I said, it was the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
I decided on Weight Watchers and lost 110 pounds.. I do know several people that have had the by pass surgery...but it is not a magic bullet . After the surgery you have to limit your calories for life or you will just put weight back on again..
Neighbor, 2 doors down had it.
She had always been round an as a teacher who is nearing retirement she wanted it done before she did retire.
No complications cept she couldn’t drink her usual glass or three of beer a night.
She’s lost 125 lbs. and looks and feels great.
Nearly didn’t recognize her.
While you are waiting for your surgery, you might want to check out Dr. Whitaker — he seems to have had amazing results with patients with stubborn diabetes, by talking them off insuling and meds. He published some books, and also has a clinic in California.
I don’t know your situation, but at least you might want to check out his website and call him.
http://www.whitakerwellness.com/diabeteschallenge/
(800) 488-1500
Gained 30 pounds back? How much did they originally lose? For every person how knows someone that gained back 20% of what they lost, there are 2 people who have lost and maintained more than what they originally intended. It depends on exercise and/or choices you make with food. If you are going to keep stuffing yourself with food that you shouldn’t, yeah, you’ll gain some of the weight back.
Regarding nutrients...it’s pretty simple. You will need to take chewable vitamins and chewable calcium supplements every day, forever. No problem with that...and you will need to have over 65 grams/day of protein, and 6 glasses of water. Once again, very simple.
You will be fine. Keep your head up, you are doing what you have to do to get your life back. A good friend of mine was 300 lbs and about 4 ft 11. she is an older lady and could barely walk. She used a cane and a walker because of the effects on her knees. She had the same surgery you are about to have about a year ago, I think. She is down to a size 10 or 12. She no longer needs assistive devices to work, she is off of alot of the medications she was on.
Helped her to have more energy. ..helped her self-image.
No complications to date.
Can’t use that if you are already Type 2 diabetic:
I don’t take insulin. I take Actoplus.
I’m a nurse, I expect everyone to get mad at me but the truth is I’ve seen a lot of people who have had the surgery have complications. Repeated abscesses, constant nausea and vomiting due to it, infections and death just last week by one who didn’t get moving after the surgery. My bosses husband had it and died from postop complications, bled to death.
There are also certain drugs, heart drugs, blood pressure, etc, that no longer can be absorbed by the stomach after the surgery, so if you need them years later forget that.
Some cheat after the surgery and drink shakes, still putting on weight.
Some, yes, have lost weight and are doing fine.
Personally, I think they aught to take the surgery off the market.
I won’t get mad at you, but I will tell you that you might want to read up on the progress this procedure has made in the last few years. Before it was performed laproscopically, yes, there were much more complications. Suffice it to say, my father-in-law is a general surgeon, who is against any surgery that is unnecessary. He was originally against me having the surgery, until he researched advancements. He told me that I’m crazy not to get it done. To quote him, it’s about the same risk as having your gall bladder taken out (no Murtha references, please). The risk of death is less than 1%, and usually involves the patient doing something they aren’t supposed to do. Furthermore, you may be a nurse, but your opinion that it should be taken off the market is misguided. But I guess it is your opinion.
It’s all about risk vs benefits.
Seems for some, their situation is so dire, that the risk is worth the potential benefits, the surgery may be a lifesaver.
My father had gastric by pass four years ago and it has completely changed his life. He was taking a variety of medications for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and other conditions due to his weight. Since his surgery, he no longer suffers from congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure, however, it is a daily struggle to eat correctly and excercise to maintain his weight. It was a long battle, BUT, in his case, his quality of life has improved so much. Because of the weight loss, he feels like he is able to exercise and has become rather active since. Of course, each person is different, but in my dad’s case, I truly feel the surgery was a blessing.
There are issues. Everyone we know that has undergone this surgery has had gall bladder attacks later, after having the surgery.
Also, psychologically, I don’t think my dad realized just how big a crutch in life food had become for him, so he battled depression, and anger at first. However, he overcame that, and I’m very thankful for him being here.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you enjoy the same benefits my dad has gained from the gastric by pass. I will pray for you and your family.
I had the RNY procedure in 2005 and lost 110 lbs. I’ve regained about 20 lbs but am back on course to lose 50 lbs more. The surgery has given me my life back. I regained self confidence, took a new job, I love my life!
The surgeon was awesome. He recommended the RNY because it is considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery. I wanted the drastic change because it is a change for life. If I could have done it on my own, I would have. Don’t let people get you down by telling you it is the easy way out. It was the right thing for me. Only you can decide if it is the right thing for you. It took me about 3 years to decide to do it also.
The secret to success is to want it more than anything, follow directions completely, exercise, never try to see how much sugar you can handle, and stay away from carbonated drinks.
Please feel free to contact me for more info. May God guide you in this decision.
Just a suggestion, not an endorsement: before you have a Roux-en-Y, check out the laparoscopic version that is less invasive at www.clos.net.
That’s why you can take it and the thread poster can’t.
Actually, I misread before I posted.....two of the three gained back well over what they'd lost after surgery. Both are alive, but morbidly obese, and probably twenty to fifty pounds above when they had the procedures.**
**This does go back close to twenty years, however - I'd hope the science has improved since then.
Truth is, it’s all about money.
As I said, my procedure was $28k, which I paid every penny out of my pocket. And I would do it again if it costs 4 times as much. There is no value you can put on quality of life. Nor is there a value that can be placed finally overcoming obesity, which has been a demon I’ve faced for 35 of the 44 years I’ve been on this earth.
Cutting out part of your intestines isn't the answer; learning how to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet is.
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