on the fence - Obesity Message Board

joycan · 04-20-2008, 05:50 PM

I am writing to anyone who has gone through GB, I need more input as I am scared of making the wrong decision. I am 49 with a BMI of 44%. I have researched the different methods of gastric surgery and as a result am more confused.
Any thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks

Rita27 · 04-20-2008, 05:54 PM

Hi, my husband had a gastric bypass (regular kind) about 10 years ago, and although he lost weight and his blood pressure and cholesterol are better, he has all kind of digestive problems. He gets gas, diahreea, has terrible acid reflux and throws up a lot. He can't digest meats, chicken, or a lot of the vegetables and fruits like apple and pear.

I'm not saying don't get it done, but maybe do the lap band, so it can be reversed if there's a problem. My husband is often miserable. But it's possible he's just unlucky with this surgery.

I need to lose about 35 lbs. myself, and I"m trying to do it on my own because I see how he is. But I have heard the lap band is a good way to do it, if you want surgery.

whackedback · 04-20-2008, 09:31 PM

There's also a newer version of the surgery, known as mini gastric bypass, or MGB for short. The actor Gil Gerard had that one performed. I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Make sure you do all your homework before entering into it, but the report on 60 Minutes tonight but a very favorable spin on it.

WB

Tralynn222 · 04-21-2008, 11:59 AM

I had the lap-band surgery and I'm so happy I did. My only regret is that I didn't do it years ago! I'm losing slowly and the healthy way. I won't say that I didn't consider the bypass because I did, but my husband wouldn't approve of me to have it. Once he read about the lap-band and the fact that is was reversible...he totally supported me.

chiefan58 · 04-29-2008, 08:30 PM

I'm new here, but I'll give you my $.02. I had gastric bypass nearly 3 years ago. (I'm 34) I was just 100lbs overweight, and my bmi wasn't quite 40. My surgery was done via 6 small holes. I went home the following day. The first 2 weeks were the worst, just because I was on a totally liquid diet. I have lost about 85lbs, and haven't had any problems keeping it off. I eat fairly normally, albeit much differently than I did before. I eat very little red meat. I didn't have any complications, and would definately recommend it. The weight loss was very rapid as well.