Falynsmommy
09-21-2004, 08:38 PM
My mom is seriously considering having Gastric Bypass surgery. She just found out that her insurance will cover it as long as it is medically necessary, and she will have no problem getting her doctor to okay it. She is well over 100 lbs overweight and the obesity paired with smoking means she is walking time bomb.
Like many people, my mom means the world to me. She is my best friend as well as a wonderful mother. I want to help her in any way I can, whether she has the surgery or not. She has tried every other way to lose weight known to man, to no avail. I believe this is a last resort.
I want to hear from people who have been through this. What was your experience? What kinds of questions should she ask the doctor and surgeon? Is there anything any of you know now that you wish you would have known then? Which procedure did you have done? Lap band, Roux En Y, etc.?
Anything you can tell me that I can pass along to her, good or bad, will be extremely helpful. She would like to have this done as soon as possible (like October) so quick responses are very much appreciated. I have already read the entire thread on Gastric Bypass on page 3 so I'm familiar with some of the side effects, I just need any advice anyone can give me.
Thanks in advance guys.
Like many people, my mom means the world to me. She is my best friend as well as a wonderful mother. I want to help her in any way I can, whether she has the surgery or not. She has tried every other way to lose weight known to man, to no avail. I believe this is a last resort.
I want to hear from people who have been through this. What was your experience? What kinds of questions should she ask the doctor and surgeon? Is there anything any of you know now that you wish you would have known then? Which procedure did you have done? Lap band, Roux En Y, etc.?
Anything you can tell me that I can pass along to her, good or bad, will be extremely helpful. She would like to have this done as soon as possible (like October) so quick responses are very much appreciated. I have already read the entire thread on Gastric Bypass on page 3 so I'm familiar with some of the side effects, I just need any advice anyone can give me.
Thanks in advance guys.
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Bigbay
09-21-2004, 11:04 PM
You are well on your way to getting started. First, you must see that you need to do something and not be in denial. I had my surgery Oct 2, 2003. I have lost 208lbs and started at 488lbs. I was also a timebomb. I am a new person now! Get your Mother in a good support group, It is very important to have a good group to talk to others. The main thing for me was I did not do this to look good, I did it to feel good and to say alive. Many poeple think this is a quick fix, but it is not, it is alot of hard work. I had a life of eating what I wanted and how that is not that important any more. At first, it was very hard to do, but now it is a way of life. I have my life back. Ask away, I hope I can be good help to you.
P.S. I know this is something you want to do very quick, but think about it. This is a major change, she will be this way the rest of her life if she has the R-N-Y.
P.S. I know this is something you want to do very quick, but think about it. This is a major change, she will be this way the rest of her life if she has the R-N-Y.
Falynsmommy
09-22-2004, 10:41 PM
Hey Bigbay. Thanks for responding so quickly. I do have a few questions for you so thanks for being so gracious.
Is it the R-N-Y procedure that you had? What exactly does that involve? Also, did you experience any side effects?
My mom is also not doing this to look good. She knows she has to do something drastic for her health. She already has high blood pressure and everything together makes me a nervous wreck. She also knows that this is not a quick fix, nor a miracle surgery. She is well aware that her entire lifestyle would have to change.
She is on the fence on whether to have the surgery or not. It is a major surgery with many risks and it's a scary decision. It is a personal decision where she has to weigh the pros and cons of the surgery vs. being obese. I have told her I'm behind her either way, I just want to help her become as informed as possible so her decision is a well educated one.
Thanks again, and anyone who can help or add something would be greatly appreciated.
Is it the R-N-Y procedure that you had? What exactly does that involve? Also, did you experience any side effects?
My mom is also not doing this to look good. She knows she has to do something drastic for her health. She already has high blood pressure and everything together makes me a nervous wreck. She also knows that this is not a quick fix, nor a miracle surgery. She is well aware that her entire lifestyle would have to change.
She is on the fence on whether to have the surgery or not. It is a major surgery with many risks and it's a scary decision. It is a personal decision where she has to weigh the pros and cons of the surgery vs. being obese. I have told her I'm behind her either way, I just want to help her become as informed as possible so her decision is a well educated one.
Thanks again, and anyone who can help or add something would be greatly appreciated.
Bigbay
09-23-2004, 03:16 AM
Falnsmommy, you are very welcome. Yes, I did have the RNY.This surgery is were they cut your stomach into two section, one they make into a smaller pouch, the other they staple one end of it close. The new stomach can only hold a small portion of food. They re-route part of your small intestine to the new stomach. At first I was only able to eat 2-3 ozs of food, now I can eat about 5 ozs. If you eat to much the pouch will let you now and if you have sugar, it lets you know. That is what they call "dumping", it is not nice feeling. At first, I had alot of gas, but that passed. I still have loose stool alot, but it is not that bad. I had my surgery around the holiday's and it did get depressed that I was not the same person, for I lived for the holiday's each year, but it passed. Now it is a way of life for me, I don't miss the food anymore. I love the new me and my Wife loves the new me. It is good that you are good support for your Mom, for that is very important to have someone behind you helping you. I hope this helped, if you have anymore need, ask away!!!
nikki2kids
09-23-2004, 03:29 PM
I would also like to reply to this. My mom had this surgery when she was in her late 30's. She was about 150 pounds overweight and lost it as a result of the surgery. Unfortunately, once she lost the weight, she started to slowly gain it back. She is now close to 200 lbs overweight and approaching 60 years old. It has been more than 20 years since the surgery and, although she is now very overweight again, she still has trouble eating food, expecially good food like raw vegetables. She has trouble digesting. She has trouble with gas and burping. She has no trouble eating fattening foods.
I tell you her story for two reasons. First, tell you mom to be sure that this is really a last resort. Has she really tried eating healthy foods in small quantities 5-6 times a day? Getting 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables each day? Getting exercise, like a walk around the block, every day? I bet that if she did this, she would lose weight.
Second, if she says that she just can't do this, what happens after the surgery? Yes, the surgery does force you to eat much smaller quantities of food and she will lose weight this way. However, the bad habits do not disappear. After surgery, she will need to learn to eat properly and get exercise. Otherwise, like my mom, she will gain the weight back. Why not try to eat better now and see what happens. I don't want to sound discouraging. It's just that any surgery is risky and I just want to make sure you and your mom know what to expect. I truly wish you and you mom luck. If she decides to go through the surgery, you will have to help her learn new, good eating habits in order to avoid what happened to my mom. Best of luck, Nikki
I tell you her story for two reasons. First, tell you mom to be sure that this is really a last resort. Has she really tried eating healthy foods in small quantities 5-6 times a day? Getting 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables each day? Getting exercise, like a walk around the block, every day? I bet that if she did this, she would lose weight.
Second, if she says that she just can't do this, what happens after the surgery? Yes, the surgery does force you to eat much smaller quantities of food and she will lose weight this way. However, the bad habits do not disappear. After surgery, she will need to learn to eat properly and get exercise. Otherwise, like my mom, she will gain the weight back. Why not try to eat better now and see what happens. I don't want to sound discouraging. It's just that any surgery is risky and I just want to make sure you and your mom know what to expect. I truly wish you and you mom luck. If she decides to go through the surgery, you will have to help her learn new, good eating habits in order to avoid what happened to my mom. Best of luck, Nikki
Falynsmommy
09-24-2004, 12:02 AM
Thanks again Bigbay. You've already been a great help. Also, congratulations on the success of your surgery. :) Right now I don't think I have any more questions for you, though I'm sure I will eventually. ;)
nikki2kids...Thanks for also replying. This is a huge decision and both her and I want to hear all the stories we can, good and bad. I'm sorry to hear that it wasn't such a lasting success for your mom. Was it because your mom reverted back to old eating habits or was it something else? Did your mom also have the R-N-Y procedure or a different type?
I'm sure you both understand that all we want to do is get as educated as possible on this before a decision is made. It is a major life decision and she wants all the knowledge she can possibly get on the subject. As I posted previously, she completely understands that this is not in any way a miracle surgery. She is well aware that for this to be a lasting success, she has to completely change her lifestyle. I want whatever is best for her, and whatever is healthiest for her. I will support her in whatever she chooses because she is far too young (mid 40's) to live the rest of her life this unhappy. She has a doctors appointment tomorrow morning to discuss it. She is also going to ask him to recommend a surgeon she can speak with so she can ask all the questions she needs to ask.
I do appreciate you both being such a help and when I think of something else, I'll let you know. Thanks again.
nikki2kids...Thanks for also replying. This is a huge decision and both her and I want to hear all the stories we can, good and bad. I'm sorry to hear that it wasn't such a lasting success for your mom. Was it because your mom reverted back to old eating habits or was it something else? Did your mom also have the R-N-Y procedure or a different type?
I'm sure you both understand that all we want to do is get as educated as possible on this before a decision is made. It is a major life decision and she wants all the knowledge she can possibly get on the subject. As I posted previously, she completely understands that this is not in any way a miracle surgery. She is well aware that for this to be a lasting success, she has to completely change her lifestyle. I want whatever is best for her, and whatever is healthiest for her. I will support her in whatever she chooses because she is far too young (mid 40's) to live the rest of her life this unhappy. She has a doctors appointment tomorrow morning to discuss it. She is also going to ask him to recommend a surgeon she can speak with so she can ask all the questions she needs to ask.
I do appreciate you both being such a help and when I think of something else, I'll let you know. Thanks again.
nikki2kids
09-24-2004, 01:46 PM
In response to your question, yes, my mom reverted to old eating habbits. She had the R.N.Y. procedured. I guess the real issue you and your mom have to stuggle with are if she can make lifestyle changes after the surgery, why can she not make them now? If she cannot make them now, how will she make them after the surgery? I truly wish the best for your mom. Nikki.
Bigbay
09-25-2004, 01:37 AM
That is a good point on can she change now or can she change then. One thing is that the R-N-Y has changed alot from 20yrs ago. Most of those people who had them back then all are back to where they have started. Most of those people did not go though programs to change the minds and eating habits. This surgery is not a quick cure!!! Having the small pouch is away of not eating so much. The thing for me is, if I can have a full feel I stop eating and want no more, plus I want this to work. You must have a frame of mind that you are going to get better. I picked a program that has good support group meetings, diet plans, a buddy to call when I need help. You just can not do this and think it is just going to fall off. I have work very hard and I am very proud of myself. All I needed was something to help me stop eating so much. Food is not a big thing to me anymore, it does not rul;e me, I rule it now.
debbie1
09-25-2004, 08:25 AM
my mom had her stomach stapled several years ago. It was a success..she went from a size 22 down to a size 8 very quickly .. the size 8 was too small for her though, so she had to try to gain some weight. she got to a size 12/14 and remained there for several years. Within the last couple years she has been a size 16.
I dont know how technoligy is today, but some of the effects of the surgery she still has are some foods that she can not eat..like stringy meat and fresh fruit. Her doc told her she wouldn't be able to eat a salad and thats the one thing she can pig out on with no problems to this day!!
I'm considering having it done myself, i am well over 100 pounds of being overweight. Ive tried weight watchers, slimfast, diet pills and only get temporarly results.
Good Luck
I dont know how technoligy is today, but some of the effects of the surgery she still has are some foods that she can not eat..like stringy meat and fresh fruit. Her doc told her she wouldn't be able to eat a salad and thats the one thing she can pig out on with no problems to this day!!
I'm considering having it done myself, i am well over 100 pounds of being overweight. Ive tried weight watchers, slimfast, diet pills and only get temporarly results.
Good Luck
Falynsmommy
09-27-2004, 10:28 PM
You all have been such a big help. Here's an update.
She has decided to try to do this on her own one last time before resorting to the surgery. We have had numerous talks about how she is going to have to change her lifestyle regardless of whether she has the surgery or not, so why not give it that one last try. She went ahead and went to the doctor on Friday and got the name of a hospital near here that specializes in Gastric Bypass. That is the only procedure this hospital performs. She contacted them and they are sending her some literature to read regarding the surgery. She is also going to go ahead and see if she can be pre-approved by the insurance.
I would love to see her do this on her own without the surgery. I know she is capable of doing it, she just has to find the will to do it.
Good luck to you all and your loved ones, and thanks again for the help.
She has decided to try to do this on her own one last time before resorting to the surgery. We have had numerous talks about how she is going to have to change her lifestyle regardless of whether she has the surgery or not, so why not give it that one last try. She went ahead and went to the doctor on Friday and got the name of a hospital near here that specializes in Gastric Bypass. That is the only procedure this hospital performs. She contacted them and they are sending her some literature to read regarding the surgery. She is also going to go ahead and see if she can be pre-approved by the insurance.
I would love to see her do this on her own without the surgery. I know she is capable of doing it, she just has to find the will to do it.
Good luck to you all and your loved ones, and thanks again for the help.
nikki2kids
09-27-2004, 11:02 PM
I'm so glad to hear that your mom will make one more attempt before resorting to surgery. I know she can do it if she really wants to. I wish her the best. Nikki
Bigbay
09-28-2004, 03:25 AM
I am glad hear she is putting some thought into this and not just jumping into this. It does take alot of changing your mind, but I just needed to have alittle more help. Stay with her, stay supportive and She needs you more now then ever. You are being a very good help. Bless you.
Falynsmommy
09-28-2004, 09:49 PM
You guys are awesome. :D Thanks for the support. Take care. :)