To those who have had Gastric Bypass or similar surgery... - Obesity Message Board

Falynsmommy · 09-21-2004, 05:38 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.

Bigbay · 09-21-2004, 08:04 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.

Falynsmommy · 09-22-2004, 07:41 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.

Bigbay · 09-23-2004, 12:16 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, 12:29 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